I’m sharing with you a great recipe from Cooking Light (link now takes you to Eating Well website)… This is a relatively quick and easy meal. Each recipe makes 2 servings and believe me, the servings are generous. I pretty much followed the recipe, except I like to use grape tomatoes instead of regular tomatoes… If you have dinner for four make two packets then slide it into a pretty dish. Gorgeous, tasty and without the guilt… then you can indulge in dessert! I hope you enjoy this as much as we do! Catch you back here tomorrow!
Basil Shrimp with Feta and Orzo
Ingredients
1 regular-size foil oven bag
Cooking spray
1/2 cup uncooked orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1 cup diced tomato (I used grape tomatoes)
3/4 cup sliced green onions
1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Preparation
Preheat oven to 450°.
Coat inside of oven bag with cooking spray. Place the bag on a large shallow baking pan.
Cook the pasta in boiling water 5 minutes, omitting salt and fat; drain. Place the pasta in a large bowl. Stir in 1 teaspoon oil and next 7 ingredients (1 teaspoon oil through pepper). Place the orzo mixture in prepared oven bag. Combine shrimp and basil. Arrange shrimp mixture on orzo mixture. Fold edge of bag over to seal. Bake at 450° for 25 minutes or until the shrimp are done. Cut open bag with a sharp knife, and peel back the foil. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon oil.
Eddie Bauer Down and Fleece Throw / Image: Amazon.com
You know how it is when you know about something so wonderful that you just want to get the word out? Last year my parents bought me this Down and Fleece Throw from Eddie Bauer. We were in Michigan, it was cold, I used it immediately. I. COULD. NOT. BELIEVE. IT! This thing radiates heat just like an electric blanket with the added bonus of no plug! It’s filled with 550 Goose Down and let me tell you it could not be warmer. It’s good looking, generously sized, does great in the washing machine/dryer. So if you’re looking to give a wonderful gift, this is a start! It’s $99 OR $49 WITH ANY PURCHASE! Trust me, it’s worth every penny!
THIS is the pan to get. I can tell you from experience… We used it on Thanksgiving Day, greased the rack and the bird with olive oil, tossed a little salt and pepper and whipped it into a convection oven where it came out tan and crispy. I then used the pan to make the gravy… Let me just say… AWESOME! It’s beautiful, looks like a piece of art! We invested in a nice roasting pan because I didn’t want a repeat performance of the last holiday that we hosted… turkey made to perfection, using a cheap nonstick roasting pan with a nonstick rack. Turkey was perfect. Started to make gravy and I’m thinking to myself “What are all these black floating things”?? You guessed it… THE PAN! So I started over with the gravy, thanks to a call to my dad, Christmas was saved and the gravy was wonderful! So BEWARE if you have a nonstick roasting pan… no need for it, since when you make gravy it deglazes all the stuff on the bottom, so nothing sticks anyway!
(Note: I bought this roasting pan at Coastal Cupboard in Mount Pleasant, SC, but it’s readily available everywhere, as well as AMAZON, click HERE for link!)
Knowledge is power. Hee hee… Catch you back here tomorrow!
DO WHAT YOU LIKE – LIKE WHAT YOU DO, the motto for Life Is Good. How brilliant for a company to come up with positive messages on high quality t-shirts, a simple but happy design. They have a few Christmas long sleeve t-shirts for women. I happen to love them both (dilemma)…
Life is Good holiday t-shirt / Image: LifeIsGood.com
I like their short sleeve, long sleeve, holiday, regular, yoga, and pssssst, their socks to wear at night… AWESOME! Enjoy! Oh, did I mention free shipping and free returns? Yep. A great company indeed. Note: Locally they also sell LIFE IS GOOD on Market Street downtown Charleston, SC…!
My husband and I took a ride through a few of Charleston’s beautiful cemeteries. Let me just say, you go back in time. They are old, very very old and the photo ops are amazing. YES, it would help to have a camera with you… These were taken with my phone on a cloudy day, but I think you can still see how spectacular the view is. The magnificent grand live oak trees are everywhere, it’s a beautiful place. There were several people out with big cameras taking advantage of the day… NEXT TIME I will bring a camera, sigh…
Do you watch Army Wives? It’s a great show, really. It’s pretty cool to watch it and try to figure out where in Charleston, SC they’re really at… it’s amazing how they can take worn out dumpy buildings and make them look so nice, at least on the outside… This is a photo of the HUMP BAR. Its used regularly in the show. It’s located down by the cemeteries in town. Looks like a real bar. It’s not…
Here’s a close up… catch you back here tomorrow, and if you get a chance, check out that show! They’re filming now, the new shows air “WINTER 2012”!
The Boat Ramp by Jonathan McPhillips /Image: AddisonArt.com
Ok, so I couldn’t choose. Ahhh, the magical combination of shadow and light, sun and dark clouds… wow, this makes for one fabulous painting! This painting, entitled “The Boat Ramp” was done by Jonathan McPhillips, and appears in the Addison Art Gallery in Orleans, MA.
But then how this one captures the magical light, that special golden light that makes EVERYTHING look so good (why don’t they make light bulbs that reflect this golden shade?? Hmmmm!). “Before the Bustle” was awarded Honorable Mention at Gallery 297. Fabulous! Congratulations Jonathan!
Before the Bustle by Jonathan McPhillips /Image: JonathanMcPhillips.com
Jonathan is in many galleries, so check out his website (VERY nice). Here is a short blip about Jonathan from his website, (but there is more, so check it out)! He seems like an interesting guy, he’s from Rhode Island, so if you’re in the area, check him out. I look forward to seeing his work in person one day!
“Collectors, fellow artists, and friends often comment on my work as having distinct and engaging “atmosphere”. I am so very appreciative of this recurring compliment. It is the air surrounding the landscape that I hope to depict in my paintings. The air is an unseen filter that guides how we visualize the “things” in front of us. In coastal New England, the atmosphere is always changing, therefore I am very fortunate to live and paint in such a visually engaging area.
Chasing the available light and air in our surroundings is what drives me to paint. I hope to achieve atmospheric effects with an impressionistic style, tempered by a touch of realism and draftsmanship. Painting large and small, indoors and out, I find that a multifaceted approach to studying and practicing allows me to achieve a unique quality in my work”.
JM
Jonathan graduated from Connecticut College in 1993 with a Cum Laude Distinction in Fine Art. Now residing in Saunderstown, Rhode Island, Jonathan’s artwork has evolved into a celebration of coastal New England. Working equally in the studio and on location, his work includes the harbors, beaches, vessels, and architecture of our coastal marine environment.
Recent accomplishments include a juried acceptance into The Oil Painters of America Eastern Exhibition in October, 2010. In addition, Jonathan was invited to participate in The Carmel Plein Air Art Festival in Carmel, California, and the Modern Marine Masters Exhibition at the Mystic Seaport Museum Gallery, both in May of 2011.
Awards and exhibitions span McPhillips’ career. Of note would be his 2004 First Place “Best of Fleet” Award at the New York Yacht Club in Newport, Rhode Island for “Courageous Convictions”, his 12 meter yacht replica. Jonathan is also honored to have been invited by the U.S. Department of State to participate in the “Art in Embassies” program in 2006, which expanded his work to an international audience.
Jonathan has recently rediscovered the joy and personal fulfillment that teaching brings to an artist’s life. He periodically arranges workshops and courses in oil painting. His artistic journey can easily be followed through social media and e-newsletters, as well as his blog and website. Video samples of selected works in progress are also available, and have been especially popular among his collectors and fans.
My husband and I were in a few of the downtown Charleston, SC galleries a few weekends ago when I spotted this magazine. THE LOCAL PALATE. It. Is. Exquisite. To say the least, this magazine is high class, with gorgeous mouth watering photographs and fabulous stories. Perfect timing with this magazine, with Charleston number ONE on the Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards, and HUSK Restaurant named as The Best New Restaurant in America! I am so thrilled to see this magazine, and trust me, you will be as well! Here’s a little blip from their WEBSITE:
We are a culinary magazine that focuses on the food culture of Charleston.
Charleston is a unique blend of culinary history, Southern hospitality, indigenous ingredients, and world class chefs.
We are local and we love it here. Drop us an email to say hi and find out more: info@thelocalpalate.com
To that I say… YAY!! I urge you to visit their website, it’s as beautiful as the magazine.
This painting reminds me of my dad… doing what he loves, fly fishing. You can feel the movement of the water, hear the rushing water around the rocks, FEEL the coldness of the water. Fabulous! This painting is at the Sylvan Gallery in Charleston, SC. If you get a chance pop in, say Hi, and check it out!
Here’s a blip about the artist from the Sylvan Gallery’s website:
Impressionist painter, John Austin Hanna, is a native Texan who lives and works in the quaint art and antique oriented community of Fredericksburg. His work encompasses a broad range of subject matter from still-lifes, to portraits, to landscapes and images of rural and country life captured in a moment of time. His artistic discipline was finely tuned while working as a commercial illustrator in New York and Dallas until tired of the hectic life of big city living he moved to the smaller community of Fredericksburg to concentrate on his painting career. Hanna says, “Throughout my childhood, I was always drawing and dreaming of becoming a ‘real’ artist. I finally decided that I had to pursue that dream.”
John’s canvases are saturated with light and color, some depicting a large-scale scene while others focus on such images as a small section of a fence or wildflowers on the bank of a stream. He is constantly searching for “all things great or small” to portray in his work.
Articles about this talented young artist have appeared in publications such as Southwest Art and Art Talk.
Is this one sweet pan or what? We bought it a few years ago at a neat Kitchen Shop in Mount Pleasant, SC (Coastal Cupboard). I was looking at it and a man walked by, said he had it and that it was THE BEST pan… EVER. Well, I have to agree… Made by J.A. Henckel, this is more than just a pan that looks good, its performance is top notch! Everything that I’ve made in it has turned out divine. Today, I’m making a wee little pork sirloin roast. My roasting pan bit the dust, so I’m going to sear in this pan and then put it in the oven… It can handle temps to 500 degrees fahrenheit, so at a temp of 350F I’m set! So if you find yourself needing a great sauté pan that can do more than sauté this is the ticket! For more info on J.A. Henckel cookware, click HERE…
Isn’t this fresh and fabulous? I absolutely LOVE Geer Morton’s paintings. He’s got the most unique style, you can spot his painting a mile away. I love that! Take a peak at his work… on top of being so talented he’s a super nice guy! I know that I’ve feature this artist before, but it’s so hard not to show you other great paintings… I’m going to have to think of a catchy title, so I can start doing this with more artists I admire, maybe starting the new year!
My husband and I first saw Geer’s work at Wiscasset Bay Gallery where we fell in love with his paintings (you will too, trust me on this)! If you get a chance, stop in Wiscasset Bay Gallery and check out his work, or visit his website! (Image: WiscassetBayGallery.com)
Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving weekend… catch you back here tomorrow!
Isn’t this boat a beauty? It’s truly gorgeous, however, I doubt the owner would appreciate it being described that way (sorry Sherm, but it is what it is). Sherm Stanley is the owner and pilot of the 40 foot black-hulled Young brothers lobster boat. I’ve always thought dark black/navy boats had a classy look about them. This isn’t just a classy boat, it’s a hardworking lobster boat. Fancy is the last thing they’re going for. I admire the hard work that those guys do, and a lot of times in extreme weather. It’s fascinating. They earn their money no doubt. Seems like lobsters should bring a lot more money than they do… there is a GREAT ARTICLE from Yankee magazine about the lobstermen on Monhegan.
San Francisco, California – what a place… the atmosphere is amazing. A city FULL of life. So much to do and see. The easiest way to get around is to use their public transportation, it simply can’t be beat. AND it’s a thrill in itself! SO interesting how it works so well in San Fran, wish they had it everywhere, dependable and safe. This was taken years ago… they manually turn it around!
"The way it used to be" by Richard Oversmith (via artists website)
I found this intriguing painting under the PLEIN AIR section of Richard Oversmith’s website. I love paintings of interiors, especially something different… this is a peak into the past. Richard’s description of this painting:
This painting is of the interior of Old Fort, NC train depot. The depot build in the 1890s probably looked a lot like this inside. It is a museum now and house some old southern railroad memorabilia. I was invited into the depot to paint but, I actually painted this outside looking through a window at this scene. That’s why it’s in the plein air section.
How interesting to paint the interior from outside. LOVE IT! Check out Richard’s website, it’s a good one! He’s in many galleries, so check him out! I just noticed he’s right here in Charleston, SC!
Here’s a blip from the artists website, there is more, so check him out!
Richard received formal training in Fine Art and Illustration at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan. While at Kendall he was invited to study at the Royal College of Art in London, England. There he gained experience in plein air painting and found direction in his work as an oil painter. He graduated from Kendall College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1995 and moved back to his home state of North Carolina to pursue his dream of becoming a professional artist.
The natural beauty of Western North Carolina has proven to offer infinite inspiration for Richard’s impressionistic landscapes. From rolling mountains to abundant waterfalls, the majestic Biltmore Estate to a simple farm scene, this region evokes the artist’s muse. Richard finds inspiration not only at home but in his many travels. He has painted all over the USA and has recently spent six months living and painting in Brittany, France. Whether at home or abroad, Richard surrounds himself in the elements of the scene while painting, in true “en plein air” fashion. In the studio, his sense of vision and mood guide him to produce still lifes ranging from the classic to the imaginative.
Richard’s purpose in painting is to provoke the viewer to interact with his pieces. His paintings are his voice, and stroke by stroke, he composes a whole that relates his vision. Richard works in oil on linen, a medium compatible with the passion he puts into his creation. He strives to achieve a mood in every painting through the use of such visual stimuli as color, edges, value and drawing. He has derived his style from the lifelong study of past masters, the influence of contemporary painters he admires, and elements that have evolved from deep within himself. He allows the setting to speak to him, creating only as many brushstrokes as are needed for the viewer’s eyes to understand and connect.
Happy Thanksgiving to you! Enjoy your day… I’m going to try to not eat too much, take a long walk to help burn off some of what I’ve eaten and since I’m cooking… I’m going to try to relax. I should be fine unless I lose my sticky notes of what to do when, ha.
What are you thankful for this year? I am thankful for many things, and try to think about all the things I’m grateful for each and every day (they say that makes you a happier person and I truly believe that to be true)! Some of the things I’m thankful for…
Fred (husband and soul mate). Charlie (dog). Family (parents, Fred’s parents, sister, brother in law and their families, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, acquaintances and the list goes on… as well as all of you who are like family to me).
Health.
My mom being ok after a cancer diagnosis, surgery, chemo and radiation.
YOU. (Thanks to everyone who prayed for my mom, I am overwhelmed).
For sun on a cold day. For clouds on a hot day.
For living in a city so rich in culture.
For living in an area where I can walk most everywhere.
For walking each and every day, and for my walking buddy.
For those of you who reached out to me (thank you for sharing your experiences and your information). I am thankful that you read this blog. No kidding. I started it on a whim, and have worked hard to create a post each and every single day. I’m hoping I make it all the way to the end of the year. BIG accomplishment.I have met many cool people!
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