Author Archives: Stef

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About Stef

Family: Husband (Tom) and little man Lincoln James. Dwelling: A 1967 Ranch home that changes every day. Homemaker tip: Don’t be afraid to fail. A bad meal can always be fixed with a frozen pizza, a dead plant can be replaced and paint can cure a room. I consider my style: Contemporary with a vintage flair. I love a sleek piece of furniture with the contrast of an old vase or a stack of old used books. I cannot live without eating: Italian Beef sandwiches. I am Chicago-bred and love a good beef with sweet peppers. Pizza is a close second. Three foods you will always find in my pantry: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Crushed Tomatoes and Chicken Broth. My cooking mantra: Even foods that were destined to be bad for you can be recreated in a healthy way.
by | July 22, 2011 · 8:20 am

{Haute Pie} White Chocolate Key Lime

There is almost no dessert in the world that I like better than Key Lime Pie. I discovered this recipe a few years back and love using it as a go-to for a cool summer dessert. In these days of heat domes and sweltering conditions, it is the perfect no-bake option. The addition of the white chocolate adds just a little bit of smoothness to offset the tart lime flavor.

White Chocolate Key Lime Pie

1 C whipping cream
1 12 oz bag white chocolate morsels
1 TBSP sour cream
1/3 C key lime juice
Zest of one lime
one pre-packaged graham cracker crust
sliced limes and canned whipped cream for garnish

On the stove, heat whipping cream and morsels on medium heat, stirring continuously until melted, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add sour cream, key lime juice and lime zest. Stir well until smooth. Pour mixture into pie crust, cover and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight. Garnish with dollops of whipped cream and lime slices.

*Note from pictures: apparently whipped cream melts when it is 100 degrees outside. 

Stay cool!

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by | July 13, 2011 · 8:09 am

{Baby Shower} Gather in the Garden

We are so excited that HAP’s very own Katie will be welcoming a new little bundle this summer. Last weekend, we “Gathered in the Garden” for a garden-themed baby shower in her honor. This baby shower was just like Katie, a little fancy and a little rustic. With fresh, summer salads and cool beverages, we were able to celebrate the coming of this sweet baby boy on a warm summer day in the shade.

For the invitations, we printed the information on kraft paper, which can be found at your local craft store or paper store, using the font Made with B. For the carrot in the lower corner, we used a wine cork, cut a few slices out of the bottom and dipped it in ink. The leaves and roots were drawn freehand with a permanent green thin-tipped marker. These invitations were very easy to make and can be done by anyone with a computer and printer.

The table was set shaded in the garden. We used white and silver china place settings on white table clothes. A strip of green burlap ran down the middle of the table with potted herbs scattered throughout.

The ladies sipped on raspberry lemonade cocktails: half Simply Lemonade (raspberry flavor), half champagne. They were topped with mint and frozen strawberries. Very refreshing on a hot summer day!

All the lunch dishes featured fresh herbs from Stef’s garden. The Peach Caprese was a big hit. Just a twist on the traditional tomato salad: Sliced peaches, sliced fresh mozzarella, fresh basil and a drizzle of white balsamic vinegar.

Waldorf Penne, a recipe from Rachel Ray Magazine, was served with fresh chives.

A crisp Summer Barley Salad included: mixed greens, barley, red & yellow peppers, grape tomatoes, feta cheese, walnuts, basil and a homemade balsamic dressing with garlic and shallots.

Anne made dirt cups placed in small mason jars, topped with miniature flowers and tied kraft paper with each guests name around the edge. Katie and Stef ate “sand” instead of “dirt” due to their uncommon aversion to chocolate.

All guests were previously asked to send the hosts a baby picture. The pictures were printed and tied on a makeshift clothes line with some newborn onesies. Guests were given a worksheet and asked to figure out each baby in the pictures. It turned out much more difficult than expected, but a lot of fun!

The second game was “Name that Herb.” All centerpiece herbs were numbered, using the same font and kraft paper as the invitation. The winners of each game won homemade jam or conserve made by fellow blogger Colleen of Flee Fly Flown. The herbs were passed out as party favors at the end of the day.

We look forward to welcoming our next haute baby into the group!

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by | July 8, 2011 · 7:51 am

She Said Oui!: A Parisian Bridal Shower

My cousin Jim and his high school sweetheart Jenny are tying the knot this September. It was our families’ honor to throw Jenny a shower. Jim proposed in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, so a French-themed bridal shower was a no brainer. Held at Retro Bistro, a wonderful French restaurant in Mt. Prospect, IL, we sipped on Kir Royales (champagne and Chambord) and dined on delicious French cuisine.

French-themed items along with pictures of the couple were placed on the gift table as guests walked in.

Slender Eiffel Tower vases in purple, black and green with simple callalilies adorned the table, atop Parisian paper and alongside dishes of Champagne flavored candies.

Guests were given a variety of scents of Eiffel Tower bottles of lotion, placed at each place setting at the table, along with a name card to match the invitation.

Each guest was asked to choose a card out of a pile once seated for lunch. Written on each card were different French terms, phrases and places. Throughout the course of the shower, the hosts would pick a card from the box and read it aloud. If your card was read, you were able to choose a Parisian prize.

If I do say so myself, this shower was magnifique! An early congrats to Jim and Jenny, we look forward to the big wedding celebration this fall!

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by | July 1, 2011 · 7:46 am

{4th of July} Fresh Strawberry Margaritas

When it comes to celebrating the 4th of July, a frosty adult beverage is a must. Nothing says land of the free and home of the brave like this fresh strawberry “ame-rita.” My family and I recently went strawberry picking at Polzin Farm in Cedarburg. We got a bit over zealous and found ourselves with over nine pounds of strawberries when it was all said and done. These strawberries don’t even resemble what you buy in the grocery store. They are bright red and bursting with juices.

Make this strawberry margarita for your BBQ or parade watching this weekend. With a little festive garnish, you re-create this Mexican treat into an old American favorite.

Fresh Strawberry Margarita

3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
1/2 C. tequila
1/4 C. sugar
juice of 2 limes
approx. 10 ice cubes
5-6 mint leaves, chopped (optional)
Fresh strawberries and blueberries for garnish

In a blender, puree strawberries, tequila, lime juice and sugar until smooth. Add ice and blend. Mix in mint. Pour and serve.

Looking for other goodies to cook up for your 4th of July BBQ? Try some of these HAP favorites!

Wishing you a safe and wonderful holiday weekend! What are you eating this 4th of July?

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by | June 24, 2011 · 8:08 am

{Before & After} Guest Stand

When my grandma came across this old buffet stand that had been in her basement from the previous owners when she bought her house some 30 years ago, I jumped at the opportunity to take it home and give it some love. I struggled for some time with where to put it and how I wanted it to look, but I couldn’t be happier with the results. We got rid of some old college furniture that had been cluttering our guest room and added this piece as a “guest stand.” Filled with towels, toiletries and a few of my favorite reads for our out-of-town guests, it makes the perfect accent to the room.

Using similar techniques to Katie’s dresser refinishing, I sanded and primed to create the perfect canvas.

I used Martha Stewart Winters Day and Lagoon colored paint in an eggshell finish and replaced the rusted old knobs with some flowered glass knobs from Anthropologie.

I found this beautiful little vase in the clearance bin at Anthropologie when I was searching for the knobs and fell in love with it. Filled with whatever flowers I pick up at the grocery store or the farmer’s market, it brings a little life into the room. I covered an old bulletin board in some fabric and strung jute to make a picture line topped with old wooden clothespins so our guests (mostly grandparents) can marvel at our little man.

I wanted to line the shelves with some shelf paper and had a horrible time finding shelf paper that didn’t look like it belonged in a 1970’s kitchen cabinet. Enter Chic Shelf Paper. This website has loads of lovely designs and will even cut the pieces to the size you need.

So, voila!  A fun summer project that has brightened up our poor neglected guest room. My next plan is to paint the headboard in Lagoon. Stay tuned!

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by | June 17, 2011 · 8:21 am

Father’s Day Cookout: Jalapeno Cheddar Burgers

It’s that time of year again! A day to celebrate dad. And what better way to warm your dad’s heart than through his tummy. Spice up your traditional Father’s Day BBQ with these easy jalapeno cheddar burgers topped with chipolte smashed sweet potatoes. A twist on the traditional burger and a bit healthier with sweet potatoes for that smooth topping texture. If you really want to make your man happy, add a slice or two of crispy bacon to the top.

Jalapeno Cheddar Burgers w/ Chipolte Smashed Sweet Potatoes

1 1/2 – 2 lbs ground chuck
1 jalapeno, diced (dice into fine pieces)
1/4 C shredded cheddar cheese
1 TBSP canola oil
3 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1 TBSP milk
1 TBSP butter
1 tsp chipolte powder
salt and pepper to taste

In mixing bowl, mix ground chuck, jalapenos and cheddar cheese. Separate into 4-5 burgers. Press down into patties. Place a thumbprint into the top of each patty. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Brush lightly with canola oil. Preheat grill.

In a medium saucepan, boil sweet potatoes, approximately 15 minutes. Drain potatoes. Add milk, butter, salt, pepper (to taste) and chipolte powder and mash. Set aside and keep warm.

Grill burgers on high heat 4 minutes on the first side, 4-6 minutes on the second side. Flip only once.

Place burgers on bun, top with a heaping spoonful of smashed sweet potatoes.

Wishing all the dads out there a very special day!

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by | June 10, 2011 · 10:44 am

Salame Tasting Party & Antipasta Chopped Salad

When I used to think of salame, I would think of the old lunch meat on soggy white bread. My mind was recently transformed.

It was our pleasure to have the opportunity to receive an abundance of salame to create our own salame tasting party. I gathered a few of my closest friends and had them all taste from a wonderful plateful of Columbus Salame in a variety of flavors. While some varieties were liked more than others, all were devoured within an hour. Paired with a Bellavitano espresso cheese, french bread and black pepper crostinis, it made for a wonderful appetizer and great conversation.

We tasted six different varieties including: Hot Soppreseta, Salame Secchi, Salame Toscano, Italian Dry Salame, Peppered Salame and Herb Salame. The Herb Salame won the overall best tasting voting and kept everyone coming back for more. The rind has a wonderful oregano accent that enhances the flavor of the meat. The Salame Toscano is a perfect traditional tasting salame, which I used the leftovers for in my Antipasta Chopped Salad (see below). I thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Who doesn’t enjoyed some good cured meat!

Salame is great on its own and with a good piece of bread, but it also works great in recipes from apps to main dishes. I made this Antipasta Chopped Salad for lunch with the Salame Toscano and loved this little taste of Italy!

Antipasta Chopped Salad

1 head Romaine lettuce, chopped
1 6 oz. jar marinated artichoke hearts, chopped (reserve marinade)
1 C chopped hard salame (like Columbus Salame Toscano)
1/2 C chopped roasted red peppers
1 small can black olives, chopped
1/4 C fresh grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 TBSP dried oregano
Pinch of crushed red pepper
salt and coarse ground black pepper to taste

Add all ingredients into large salad bowl and toss. Drizzle marinade from artichokes over the salad, toss until lightly dressed.

You will not need to add very much of the artichoke marinade because the oils from the other ingredients are pulled out in this salad. I would start with a tablespoon or less and go from there.

This salad is a perfect first course to a classic italian meal like spaghetti or lasagna. It is also wonderful on its own for lunch or a light dinner.

Ciao!

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by | June 3, 2011 · 8:06 am

Dorito Taco Salad

Finally! It’s arrived! Warm summer weather always makes me want a crispy salad. This easy Dorito Taco Salad has been a staple in my family since I can remember. It is very easy and very affordable. You may even have most of these things on hand. Any salad topped with Doritos is a winner in my book.

Dorito Taco Salad
Serves 4

1 head Romaine lettuce, chopped
2 small tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 C shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 bag of Baked Nacho Cheese Doritos
1 small can sliced black olives, optional
1/2 C light italian dressing

On stovetop, brown ground beef and remove grease. Set aside. In large salad bowl, add lettuce, tomato, green pepper, cheese and olives. Toss. Add ground beef and dressing and toss again. Using about a quarter of a bag of Doritos, crunch into small pieces. Shake over salad and lightly toss.

I always love eating the leftovers of this salad. The Doritos don’t stay very crunchy, but it is still delicious. You can choose to have each individual dress their own salad, but I prefer to do it ahead of time. Serve this up with some lemonade and you have summertime perfection.

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by | May 27, 2011 · 7:57 am

Chocolate Chip Brownies with White Icing

I am not a chocolate person. I’ve mentioned this once before and offended a great many of you with that statement. My husband, on the other hand, is a chocoholic. So when special occasions come around, I always like to bake up a little chocolate treat to say I love you. This week we celebrated our third wedding anniversary. So on top of his traditional third anniversary leather gift, he was able to indulge in his favorite chocolate treat – chocolate brownies (or cake) with white icing.

I’ve never baked brownies from scratch before, so I decided to give it a whirl. With a little help from America’s Test Kitchen, I adapted this recipe to suit my hubby’s palate and the baking items I had on hand.

Chocolate Chip Brownies with White Icing

1/3
 C cocoa powder
1/2
 C plus 2 TBSP boiling water
2
 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1/2 stick unsalted butter , melted
1/2
 C plus 2 TBSP vegetable oil
2
 large eggs
2
 large egg yolks
2
 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2
 C sugar
1 3/4
 C all-purpose flour
1/2
 tsp table salt
6
 ozs. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large sauce pan, boil water. Remove from heat and whisk in cocoa powder. Add unsweetened chocolate and stir until melted. Whisk in melted butter and oil. Add eggs, yolks and vanilla and continue to whisk. Whisk in sugar until fully incorporated. And flour and salt and mix with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until combined. Fold in chocolate chips.

Pour mixture into baking pan and bake for 35-40 minutes. Allow to cool.

Buttercream Icing

1/2 C unsalted butter, softened
4 C powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 C milk

Cream butter in a stand mixer on medium high. Slowly add powdered sugar, 1/2 C at a time. Add vanilla. Drizzle milk and continue to beat until icing is at desired consistency.

Spread icing on cooled brownies with small spatula. Cut and serve.

These brownies don’t need the icing, but they add a little extra love. I asked my husband if he had any comments and he replied with, “Well….they are delicious.” So there you have it folks! Delicious homemade brownies.

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by | May 20, 2011 · 8:33 am

Planting a Shade Garden

Ever since we moved into our house, I’ve had dreams of walking down our stone path to the backyard with colorful bursts of flowers spraying in all directions. Besides planting a few hostas here and there, I don’t have much experience with planting in the shade. I decided this year is the year. So here is what I am working with:

My husband and I started by ripping up all of the ground cover. Helpful for soaking up water and keeping the soil moist, but not the look I want to go for. I am sure we will be working to get rid of this completely for years, but for now, we have this:

And if you are paying extra special attention, you’ll notice our newest edition in the back. Our  brand new, eco-friendly, garden-loving, sewer-helping rain barrel! I’ve been entertaining the idea of getting a rain barrel for awhile now. I love the thought of using the wonderful rain water that would otherwise fill the gutters, and pool in the small dip in our yard. Using it to water our plants and herbs sounds like a much better idea, so we buckled and bought the Fiskars Rain Barrel. And so far so good!

So now that my rain barrel is in place and my ground cover is ripped up, I will make the trek to the garden shops this weekend to pick out my shade plants. This side of my house faces northeast and is bordered by some large oak trees. The plants toward the front of the garden get some sunlight throughout the day, but anything planted toward the wall, sees almost no sun. I’m more interested in planting perennials so I only have to plant one time rather than planting and replanting every year.

I want to create depth by having some taller grasses and ferns in the back, interspersing colors throughout. Here are some species of plants I’ve found that I am going to try incorporate in my dream shade garden:

From left to right, clockwise, Astilbe Fireberry, Lilyturf, Lungwort, Coral Bells. (whiteflowerfarms.com)

Ultimately, I want to create a look similar to this:

http://www.livdesigns.net & www.perennialnursery.com

And out I go to start the process. If anyone has any suggestions on great shade perennials, I would love to hear them! I will post my pictures once my garden is in full bloom. What is your garden project this summer?



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