“Bessie Mae” by Jonathan Green…

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, HOMELeave a comment
Image: GalleryChuma.com

I would like to introduce you to BESSIE MAE. She is a strong presence in our house – and, may I say, how can she not be? We bought Bessie Mae during Spoleto (art festival) many years ago, she was created by artist Jonathan Green. He is a wonderful artist depicting the southern experience in the most interesting detail. If you aren’t familiar with his work, check it out, it’s facinating! Jonathan moved back to the lowcountry several years ago and resides on Daniel Island. Check out his website with his gallery information (click HERE) as well as Gallery Chuma’s website (click HERE)…

We like to collect original work. Bessie is an exception. Bessie is an original lithograph. The process that Jonathan uses is impressive, click HERE to learn more about it!
 
Catch you back here tomorrow! If you get a chance check out my photo blog at http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com !

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry… Dinner this eve??

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe3 Comments

 

Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry

I made a few changes, one reason was that I was cooking for two and didn’t want leftovers… the other, I didn’t have any sesame oil… I made this a few times before I feel it was perfected. The first time I halved everything, BUT I kept the amounts for the sauce the same. There wasn’t enough. It was a tad dry… I didn’t measure the broccoli, so perhaps I had too much AND I had more shrimp… For two, I made these changes: 3/4# shrimp, and however much broccoli you want, it’s awesome so we ate quite a bit, probably close to 4cups… I used 1/3 cup of low sodium chicken broth, 2 1/2 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar and 2 1/2 Tablespoons soy sauce and 2 1/2 teaspoons of cornstarch.

If this sounds tasty to you, view the recipe below, or click HERE to go to their website for easy printing… NOTE: start your rice long before you start the stir fry because it goes quickly. I start the rice, and then start getting the other ingredients ready. Once the rice is almost done (or is done) THAT is when I start tossing ingredients into the wok!Enjoy!

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Stir-fry a zesty shrimp dish for a quick weeknight dinner. Spoon over basmati or jasmine rice. Try the recipe with chicken or steak, too.

  • YIELD: 4 servings (serving size: 1 cup)
  • COURSE: Main Dishes

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon dark sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon bottled minced garlic
  • 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups small broccoli florets
  • 1 cup vertically sliced onion

Preparation

Combine first 6 ingredients in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk.

Heat 2 teaspoons canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ginger and garlic to pan; stir-fry 30 seconds. Sprinkle shrimp with salt. Add shrimp to pan, and stir-fry 3 minutes or until done. Remove shrimp mixture from the pan.

Add remaining 1 teaspoon canola oil to pan. Add broccoli and onion to pan; stir-fry 4 minutes or until broccoli is crisp-tender. Add shrimp mixture and broth mixture to pan; cook 1 minute or until thickened, stirring constantly.

Jackie Mills, MS, RD, Cooking Light
JANUARY 2008

Catch you back here tomorrow! If you get a chance, check out my photo blog at http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com !

Artist to watch… STAN MOELLER!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment
Image: http://www.stanmoeller.com

Stan Moeller. Nice guy, great artist… and FANTASTIC web site!  I love this painting… GULLS (18 x 24, oil on linen panel) – I love the lights and darks, the movement and the water in the background… Check out Stan’s website at www.stanmoeller.com it’s full of information, paintings, workshop schedule, gallery links, etc. If you haven’t seen Stan’s work before, CHECK IT OUT!

 
Catch you back here tomorrow… If you get a chance, check out my photo blog at http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com !

Parmesan Chicken (with salad) – Ina Garten

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe4 Comments

Ina Garten's Chicken on Salad

Oh do I have a tasty treat for you today! If you haven’t made Ina Garten’s (aka, Barefoot Contessa) Parmesan Chicken I encourage you do so… you will be oh so thrilled. The chicken coated in parmesan has SUCH fabulous flavor. I like how she puts the salad on top, I usually put the chicken on top of the salad… the light and fresh tasting lemon vinaigrette compliments this nicely. Tasty without being overpowering!

Click HERE to print this recipe!

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/3 cup unbleached flour

kosher salt

freshly ground black pepper

1 egg

1/2 tablespoon water

1/2 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus extra for serving

Unsalted butter

Good olive oil

Salad greens for 2, washed and spun dry

1 recipe Lemon Vinaigrette, recipe follows

Directions

Pound the chicken breasts until they are 1/4-inch thick. You can use either a meat mallet or a rolling pin.

Combine the flour, salt, and pepper on a dinner plate. On a second plate, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. On a third plate, combine the bread crumbs and grated Parmesan. Coat the chicken breasts on both sides with the flour mixture, then dip both sides into the egg mixture and dredge both sides in the bread-crumb mixture, pressing lightly.

Heat 1/2 tablespoon of butter and 1/2 tablespoon of canola oil in a large non-stick sauté pan and cook 2 or 3 chicken breasts on medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until cooked through. Add more butter and oil and cook the rest of the chicken breasts. Toss the salad greens with lemon vinaigrette. Place a mound of salad on each hot chicken breast. Serve with extra grated Parmesan.

Lemon Vinaigrette:

1/8 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 lemons)

1/4 cup good olive oil

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Yield: 2 servings

Everyone needs more birthdays… Artist Michael Schwab…

On By Barbara StroudIn ARTLeave a comment
Image: MoreBirthdays.com

I love this poster! Artist Michael Schwab has created this poster for the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge.

“Every year, thousands of cancer patients stay for free at American Cancer Society Hope Lodge facilities when receiving treatment away from home.”  JUST. IMAGINE. Going through something so difficult and being far from home. What a wonderful idea Hope Lodge is!

You can order a poster, a limited edition print or wrapping paper. You can also use this as wallpaper or send an e-card (both free), check it out by clicking HERE.

 

Happy Mother’s Day!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment

Happy Mother’s Day mom! I just want to let you know how much you mean to me (the world), and what a inspiration you have been in my life. I was SO FORTUNATE to grow up in a happy home with great parents, and YOU are the best mom in the world. From taking care of us if we were sick, to just being so much fun to be around. We’ve had such a great time shopping and eating, and just hanging out on the front porch (and still do!). I want to thank you for all you have done for me and know that I am here for you… always! I love you! me

Happy Mother’s Day Bobbie! We just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate all you have done for us. You are always willing to help with any/everything! I have heard stories of Fred’s childhood and he had THE BEST time! From your support with showing horses, the two of you building fires, the family camping trips for the summer (whooooa, you are a trooper!)… all the things that make him who he is! So THANK YOU for being so wonderful to me, and for being such an awesome mom to Fred, WE are always here for YOU. We love you! Us

Happy Mother’s Day to all you Mother’s out there (Bridget!!)… I wish you the happiest day ever…

Catch you back here tomorrow… if you get a chance check out my photo blog at http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com !

Charleston Farmer’s Market Poster

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, HOMELeave a comment
Image: charlestonarts.sc

The Charleston (SC) Farmer’s Market is on Saturday’s at Marion Square from 8AM until 2PM. For more information, click HERE.  It’s a good time with lots of good vendors, fresh fruits and veggies, both organic and conventional as well as arts, treats and pretty much everything else you can imagine.

This years poster entitled PETER PIPER’S PEPPERS by Ginny Versteegen captures the essence of the Farmer’s Market perfectly. A great souvenier if you’re visiting, or nice to hang in a poster frame in kitchen! If you get a chance, check it out!
Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… IAN MASON!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment
Image: DogandHorseFineArt.com

Tomorrow, Saturday, May 7th is the Charleston Dog Show located in Marion Square from 9Am-2PM. Last year we saw original paintings by Ian Mason. He is represented by Dog and Horse Fine Art. THEY ARE WONDERFUL! If you’re in Charleston check it out, if not, check out their website!

Here’s the LINK for the Charleston Dog Show if you would like more information!
 
Catch you back here tomorrow! If you get a chance check out my photo blog at http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com!

Townie By Electra… nice casual riding bike…

On By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment
Image: bluestarbrewing.com

Let me start by saying I am not a hard core biker bicyclist, more of a pedal and visit around the neighborhood kind of gal. My husband bought me this bike for Easter many years ago, and what a treat. I was like a kid… riding the bike down the street with my pajamas on! I love the way a bike makes you feel such freedom… you’re free to go where you like, LOVE IT! If you’re looking for a good comfortable bike (well, comfy for about 30 minutes, lets be real!) check out the Townie by Electra. I have a three speed, I’m not trying to get anywhere too quickly! Since Harris Teeter opened down the street from us, I now have a nice basket on the front, so I can ride my bike to the grocery store ;) 

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Daniel Corey!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment
Image: CamdenFallsGallery.com

Daniel Corey… another artist to keep an eye on, his work is outstanding. If you get a chance check out his blog, full of information AND very entertaining! Click HERE to get to his blog… Dan is represented by Camden Falls Gallery in Camden, Maine, the Lupine Gallery on Monhegan Island, Maine and Coco Vivo Gallery in Charleston, SC. Links are provided on his blog. Go ahead, check him out!

 This painting entitled LEGACY is awesome. Anyone who’s been to Monhegan likely will remember this beautiful lobster boat!
 
Catch you back here tomorrow! If you get a chance, check out my photo blog at http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com !

Steak, Mushroom and Bok Choy Stir Fry!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe2 Comments
Image: MyRecipes.com

Ooooowie, here’s a fantastic recipe from Cooking Light(link now goes to the Eating Well website.) and NO you will not know it’s light… THIS is FABULOUS! Having it for dinner tonight, woohoo! It’s a flexible recipe, you can use Shitake mushrooms, or cremini, or button, or whatever you have or can find, it’s all good… don’t get too worried about making sure you have every ingredient… I didn’t have a red pepper or hot pepper flakes and mine was TO. DIE. FOR. Also, I had “Fajita Meat” from Whole Foods which they sliced into stir fry size for me, and whoa… it’s was so tender I absolutely couldn’t believe it! Give this recipe a shot if you like stir fry AND do not be afraid of bok choy, trust me, it’s your friend… it’s mild, has no taste really, the stems are like celery offering you a nice crunch, where the leaves are just fantastic… I used a microplane for the fresh ginger (A MUST!) and garlic, that way you don’t bite into hunks of it. The flavors meld together and are a treat to your tastebuds. 

The recipe link is no longer available via Cookinglight.com – sigh…

 
Next time you’re out, grab the ingredients and give it a whirl. Just have everything measured out before hand, the cooking goes quickly! Also, have your rice done, or almost done, otherwise you’ll be waiting on it… hmmm, how would I know that? ha ha…  Enjoy and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!
 
Hey, check out my photo blog at http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com for a special birthday wish for someone very dear to us… Fred’s Dad! Happy Birthday DC!
 
 And now… for the recipe…
 
STEAK, SHIITAKE and BOK CHOY STIR FRY
 
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 teaspoons cornstarch, divided
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (I need to buy, had to use olive oil)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 pound flank steak, trimmed and thinly sliced
  • Cooking spray
  • 2 cups thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms (about 1/2 pound)
  • 1 cup thinly vertically sliced onion
  • 1 cup red bell pepper strips
  • 4 cups sliced bok choy (about 1 medium head)
  • 1 cup less-sodium beef broth
Preparation
  • Combine ginger, garlic, soy sauce, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, oil, and crushed red pepper in a large zip-top bag; add steak to bag. Seal and marinate in refrigerator 20 minutes.
  • Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray, and add mushrooms, onion, and bell pepper to pan. Cook 3 minutes or until crisp-tender; transfer to a large bowl. Add bok choy to pan; sauté 2 minutes or until slightly wilted; add to bowl; keep warm.
  • Recoat pan with cooking spray. Add half of steak mixture to pan; cook 3 minutes or until browned, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a large bowl; keep warm. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add remaining steak mixture to pan; cook 3 minutes or until browned, stirring occasionally. Add to bowl; keep warm.
  • Combine broth and remaining 2 teaspoons cornstarch, stirring with a whisk. Add to pan, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute or until mixture thickens, stirring constantly. Return steak and vegetables to pan; toss gently to coat.

Lisa Bell, Cooking Light
DECEMBER 2005

Links updated 1.26.25

Artist to watch… BRIDGET JENNINGS!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

A wonderful artist to keep an eye on is Bridget Jennings. You can look at Bridget’s paintings for a while and always see something fresh and new. Her Mackinac Island paintings are so happy (AND such a great souvenier, better than some old bauble that’s going to get tossed into the first garage sale pile!) and bright. Her light and almost whimsical airiness gives the store front paintings such character. Bridget lives and paints in Algonac, MI where she grew up on the river and her local paintings reflect her love of the water. There are boats everywhere in Algonac, and Bridget can paint them! Check out her website!

Below are three of her paintings, the first one is DOCKED UNDER THE WILLOWS  (Algonac, MI) the second is KILWIN’S FUDGE SHOP  (Mackinac Island, MI) and the last one is MONHEGAN MOORING  (Monhegan Island, ME), it’s a small taste of the collection that she has painted! Enjoy!

Docked Under the Willows

Kilwin’s Fudge Shop

Monhegan Mooring

  Bridget is more than a great artist… she’s my sister, and she’s the best!

Bridget painting on Mackinac Island, MI

Happy May Day!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment
Image: skiptomylou.wordpress.com

HAPPY MAY DAY! If you’re one of the lucky people you will open your door this morning and there will be a pretty cone of flowers tied with ribbon around your door knob. What a neat thing to do for someone… hey, if you’re up early, run out and pick a few flowers, wrap the stems in foil or something with a wet paper towel to keep them fresh, and tie it with a ribbon on your neighbors door… boy, will they ever be surprised!

Catch you back here tomorrow! If you get a chance check out my photo blog at http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com !

A good belly laugh is good for you! Watch this…

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME2 Comments
Image: IMDB.com

They say laughter is good for you. Not a hee hee, but a rolling hard laugh that works your abs and brings you to tears. You know what I’m talking about, right? If not, RUN to your local place to grab a movie (or via Internet for those of you who are fancy) that makes you laugh. This is one that had me in tears. Bringing Down The House with Steve Martin and Queen Latifah. LOVED. IT. What movies make you laugh…?? I’m gathering a list of movies that really make you laugh and I need your help!

 
Have a great weekend and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow… !

T-T-T-TIVO… best thing since indoor plumbing!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment
Image: Tivo.com

TIVO. It’s like CHER, it needs to explanation, I don’t need to say TIVO DVR, well, because TIVO is TIVO… simply the best! It is so user friendly that anyone can figure it out. It has truly revolutionized television watching for me! I can’t make it through commercials. I’m not a commercial snob, I LOVE a clever commercial, something witty and concise without being irritating (NO YELLING), but those are few and far between (think DAYQUIL commercial… “it even cures the MAN COLD”…  darn. BRILLIANT.)

With a TIVO you can set shows to record, then watch them at a later date, where you have the ability to fast forward through the commercials. You can also pause and fast forward through live TV. So if you start the show a little late you can fly past those annoying commercials, stop to let the dog out, then sit back down and not miss a thing! Our TIVO is an older model. I hope hope hope nothing ever happens to it, I treat it with care, ha ha… like an old friend! The newer ones have more features such as the ability to record more than one show at a time, ability to record and view your NOW PLAYING list (shows you’ve recorded) from your iPad… woohoo, wouldn’t that be a treat. I have the Series 2 Tivo, and I can still record a show using my Blackberry or using my computer. We also have the wireless adapter so we can rent movies, but we haven’t yet. I’m sure with my old Tivo I haven’t taken advantage of all it has to offer, but I can use it in my sleep, it is THE BEST THING since indoor plumbing. Truly! If you get a chance check it out! www.tivo.com!