Archives for December 2016

Oh what FUN!

December 18, 2016 / By Courtney / 1 Comment

It’s come to be that time of year again. Time to bid my end of the year farewell, unplug for a bit, enjoy the holiday and all that it brings to return refreshed and ready to cook and write in January.

2016 was quite the year. After getting through the troubling month of January the word that comes to mind over and over and over again is FUN! (Hence the choice of card this year from the oh so darling Minted). Trips to Florida and Montana and California. Baseball games, football games. My sister got MARRIED! Oh and we sold a house. And moved.

It was a lot.

But it was a FUN a lot.

That was never lost on me. Was it crazy and chaotic at times? Heck yes. I still whole heartedly think I’m still recovering from this summer (lesson learned: maybe one or two camps may be appropriate for the boys next summer instead of being their daily counselor). But it was all SO FUN and even as I write this I’m thinking eh – who needs camps? Let’s invite the whole baseball team over and PLAY!

That was the best part, really.

The playing. Seeing the kids in the new yard. It’s all we ever really wanted….to be that house. That house you can entertain a dozen families no problem. And boy did we ever. It has been non stop flurry of entertaining since the day we moved in. Chicken shawarma in the oven. Boys in the yard. Grilled peach and prosciutto pizzas on the grill. Boys on the four wheelers. Black bean soup before football games and neighbors running back and forth and beef bourguignon once the weather turned.

And that’s the secret to winter, you know. This beef bourguignon. Make it in a huge pot, throw it in the oven on warm, invite over great friends and open a good bottle of red. Fire on the side.

So 2016? You started off rocky but boy did you end on a high note. I still can’t believe we ended up where we did. I can’t think of a single thing I need under the tree this year. I wish you all a season comfort, joy, and most importantly – health!

See you in 2017,
C

P.S. Want more ALFS? I’ll still be cooking and goofing around on Instagram throughout the break. Search @alifefromscratch if you want to follow us along!

(Photograph courtesy of Silver Branch Photography).

The secret to winter.

December 17, 2016 / By Courtney / 1 Comment

If you follow me along on Instagram you’ve probably put together a few things by now. Hopefully high on that list is that I am a seasonal gal, at heart. As much as I claim ‘summer forever’ I truly believe I need each of the seasons for very specific reasons and with the winter one approaching (ok, ok, I think it’s here) I’ve started to reflect on what this season brings to me.

Sure there is the obvious: hibernate in flannel by the fire with red wine. Yet a lovely friend born and raised in the always sunny oh so perfect California provided such an interesting perspective for me. She claimed that it’s the cruel Midwestern winters keep her family together.

Interesting.

I’ve never experiences not having seasons so I don’t know any different. Yet what she said struck a chord with me that I may have not have put together on my own. Summer, naturally, is amazing but so much of summer is going here and there and everywhere because….it’s amazing. In the most chaotic of ways. Time slips away at the pool and friends homes and baseball fields and barbeques and so on and so forth.

And then winter hits and it hits hard. Fast. Dark. Cold. Those aren’t ideal conditions for gallivanting out and about with friends until the (late) sunset. You’re sort of become stuck together. Staring at each other at 4:50PM in the darkness thinking, well, now what?

That ‘now what’ is where it all happens. It forces you to slow down, a bit. To connect. To stay home.

I’ll never forget a cozy intimate dinner party with our dear friends and neighbors last winter. It was a bitter cold day followed by the prettiest of snowfalls. I had, thankfully, done all my grocery shopping at Heinens the prior day so that morning still in pajamas I texted my friend ‘your home tonight? I’ll bring the beef bourguignon.’

They were in. And I got to slow cook the most amazing of winter dinners all morning. Chopping, searing, sauteing, roasting, braising. All the good stuff, right? So many noises and flavors and textures, and that smell. Lingering in your home throughout the whole day, almost taunting you until dinner time.

As the evening approached and the sun slipped down into a snowy horizon we all piled into the mudroom to bundle up. We were going a mere 20 feet but the present conditions required snow boots, scarves, hats, winter coats. Ten minutes later we were set and we all stepped out into the perfect winter night together. It almost felt magical. The fresh snow was still falling and seemed to almost glitter. The beef bourguinoon staying nice and warm in my trusty red pot. The whole moment had a ‘over the river and through the woods’ nostalgic vibe. And just like that it hit me.

Although the temperature would suggest otherwise with the sharp wind hitting my face, the warmth that evening brought is like no warmth summer could ever give us. And while we all may frown upon the approaching harshness that the Midwestern winters can bring, I’m relishing in the fact that our weekends are home, together. Not in two separate directions for two different baseball games on fields near and far.

So stay in, invite over some neighbors (bonus if they don’t even have to drive) and serve this beef bourguignon. I am happy to say I have tested many recipes over the years and this hands down has been the absolute best. Have your butcher prepare your meat for you (I like to leave a small amount of fat on for flavor). Don’t skip roasting the vegetables. As far as the wine to cook it with, I was recommended this one by the oh so knowledgeable wine guy at Heinens and it worked perfectly.

Lastly, this is the classic winter dish to entertain with as you can make it ahead and then staying warm in a low oven (200ish) until dinner time. I serve mine over egg noodles tossed with chives and butter along with a light spinach salad, crusty bread, and obviously….red wine.

So cheers to weekends in, to slow cooking, to neighbors over, to savoring all that yes, even the amazing season of summer, can’t provide. Winter will never be my favorite but there is something to be said for enjoying exactly what it is.

Beef Bourguignon

2016-11-25 15:40:28

A hearty winter dish perfect for entertaining!

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Prep Time

45 min

Cook Time

3 hr

Prep Time

45 min

Cook Time

3 hr

Ingredients

8 ounces bacon, coarsely chopped
3 pounds well-trimmed boneless beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes (have your butcher do this)
1/3 cup all purpose flour
1 1/4 pounds frozen pearl onions, defrosted on the counter just a bit
3/4 pound large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
few TBS balsamic vinegar
olive oil, salt, and pepper
12 large garlic cloves, peeled (left whole)
3 cups canned beef stock
1/2 cup Cognac or brandy (I used Brandy)
1 bottle red Burgundy wine (see above photo for good recommendation)
1 1/4 pounds mushrooms
1/3 cup chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon tomato paste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Set carrots and onions on large rimmed baking sheet and toss with some olive oil, salt, pepper, and a few glugs of balsamic vinegar. Roast in the oven until nice and browned, roughly 20-25 minutes.
Lower oven to 275. Sauté bacon in heavy large Dutch oven over high heat until brown and crisp, about 8 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels, leaving the grease behind.
Season beef generously with salt and pepper; coat with 1/3 cup flour, using all of flour. Working in 3 batches, brown beef in same pot over high heat, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer meat to large bowl.
Add garlic and sauté 1 minute. Transfer to the roasted vegetables.
Add 1 cup broth and Cognac to pot; boil until reduced to glaze, scraping up browned bits, about 8 minutes. Meanwhile, in a separate pan over medium high heat, saute the mushrooms in a few TBS of butter until nice and browned.
Return all meat and vegetables, including mushrooms, and their juices to pot. Add in some of the bacon too, if you'd like. (I used about half).
Add in the wine, thyme, sugar, tomato paste and 2 cups broth. Bring to boil for just a moment, stirring occasionally. Cover pot and place in oven. Cook until beef is tender, about 3 hours.
Ladle liquid from stew into large saucepan. Spoon off fat. Boil liquid until reduced to 2 3/4 cups, about 40 minutes. (This simply helps thicken the sauce). Season with salt and pepper. Pour liquid back over beef and vegetables. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.) Rewarm over low heat before serving.

By A Life From Scrath

A Life From Scratch. https://a-life-from-scratch.com/

Everyday Moms: Meet Meagan

December 16, 2016 / By Courtney / Leave a Comment

Do you ever wonder other moms secrets? Like actual real beautiful day to day hard working moms? So often I see a darling one at the park and think wow, she looks so great! I wonder what she is doing so well. With that in mind I thought I’d begin a new series on ALFS – Everyday Moms. These are moms I know, moms that have been recommended to me, moms that inspire and are beautiful inside and out. Let’s peak into their lives just a bit, shall we?

Meet Meagan!

Location: Purcellville, Virginia

Job: Director of Implementations, Visa

Kids: Jack (6), Hughitt (4) and Beau (16 months). Gotta love a boy mom!

You’re in your closet – what do you reach for first? For fall, my J. Crew utility jacket. It goes with absolutely everything and is the perfect layer. It’s also got a decent heft to it for chilly evenings.

Hands down the one beauty product you can’t live without. Only one! Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc. Blush, bronzer, and highlighter in one – how can you go wrong?

Your daily moisturizer. Are you happy with it? Laura Mercier oil-free tinted moisturizer with SPF. I love a multi-function product (see above) and this one crosses so many from the list. I’ve been using it since high school and have tried other things along the way, but always come back to this.

Your nightly moisturizer. Are you happy with it? I’d have to use one in order to tell you. I KNOW. It’s awful. I really should take better care of my skin at night, especially since I hit the big 3-0 this year. Maybe it will be my New Year’s resolution 😉

Something in your shopping cart online right now that you want to buy – budget is no limit. A BOBsweep. It’s like a Roomba only it vacuums AND mops. It’s not exactly a lavish indulgence, but it would be life changing.

How do you feel your beauty routine changed when you became a mom? I’ve become a huge believer in dry shampoo and under eye cream.

Biggest indulgence you allow yourself. Binge-watching my favorite shows on Netflix. Some people relax at the spa or the gym. I relax on my couch with Frank Underwood and Piper Chapman.

Tell us about your kid(s). I live the very glamourous life of a mom of 3 boys. Jack (6) is smart, sensitive, observant, and so kind. He is also a human dinosaur encyclopedia. Hughitt (4) is a force of nature. He tears through life like a bull in a china shop but has the biggest heart and sweetest cartoon-like brown eyes. Beau (16 months) is just a joy. He’s the most easy-going toddler, yet can hold his own in a wrestling match with his bros. He also eats more than the other two combined. The magic of three boys is absolutely indescribable.

What is your biggest struggle as a mom day to day. Not having my own mom to share this journey with. She passed when I was 16 and while I’ve missed her since day 1, nothing makes you appreciate your mom quite like being a mother yourself. Not a day goes by that I don’t wish I could just pick up the phone to tell her something funny that one of the boys did, or that they’re making me want to pull my hair out. Or just to thank her because for the first time in my life, I truly understand all that she did for me.

What is your biggest happiness as a mom day to day. Watching my children become best friends. They have no choice but to be brothers, but seeing them actually enjoy each other’s company, take interest in one another’s well-being, and *want* to be together brings my heart so much joy.

Snap your fingers – you could have a magic fairy help you with one thing around the home every day. What is it? CLEANING. Unequivocally. I swear no matter what I do, there will always be fingerprints, crumbs, and clutter.

Because you are oh so pretty, tell us about your favorite feature! My eyelashes. They’re freakishly long and people are always asking me if they’re real. Yes, they’re real. They brush up against my sunglasses and it’s horribly annoying, but it makes doing my eye makeup a breeze.

Lovely, Meagan! Thank you for sharing your time and your darling family with us. I’m with you on hanging with Piper and I am so checking out the Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc. Looks like you can’t mess that one up – great recommendation! And I so hope you find the BOBsweep under your Christmas tree.

Gift guide: for the sister that makes you laugh out loud with her texts.

December 12, 2016 / By Courtney / 1 Comment

I can’t believe we are in mid December and that this is my last gift guide for the season! I have so much fun putting these together and hope you have enjoyed them. In case you missed any, you can catch up right here. Lots of fun ideas for so many people in your life! Well let’s end on a bang, shall we? This weeks gift guide if for that darling sister in your life. Or best friend, or mom…this line is pretty versatile. Let’s do this!

Add to her alex + ani collection with this lovely sister one. So meaningful!
An actual real grown up luxurious scarf brightens any wardrobe.
Perfect to hydrate her winter skin, this whipped mud mask looks to be utterly divine and something she’d never buy herself.
The ultimate tote bag. Classic and timeless, the one is with her for life. Bonus if you throw her initials on there.
For the sister who is trying to make a home for herself, this darling vase adds a touch of girliness to any shelf.
I am obsessed, obsessed, with this scent and I think anyone you gift this to will be as well.
For the sister that still insists on living all the way downtown……
A pink confetti glitter frame? My goodness is this cute and you know you have the perfect photo for it.

That’s a wrap! Hope you found something to help finish up your holiday shopping. Ho ho ho!
C

C’s picks – week of 12/11

December 11, 2016 / By Courtney / Leave a Comment

Another crazy week during December – eek! Christmas is getting close. Are you ready? No, me neither. But that’s ok…we’ve still got time. Here’s something to help, a whole brand new fresh menu plan for the week! Hope you can find something good for your family.

Let’s start with a family favorite on Sunday. This slow cooker marinara hangs out in the slow cooker all day long which means your home smells like heaven. Plop some fresh tortellini in at the end along with mozzarella and you’ve got yourself a MEAL.

Monday let’s lighten things up. This be well soup is absolutely unreal and oh so healthy. Serving it with crusty whole grain bread helps round it all out.

Tuesday night M is in the city and that means one thing: mama can eat whatever she wants! I’ve been dying to try a version of a salmon bowl and this one looks incredible.

I never got around to trying these roasted chicken thighs and I’m hopeful it will be a great family recipe. Making them Wednesday along with some of our favorite go to roasted green beans.

Thursday let’s get another slow cooker dish going. We’ve tried this one and were in love. The chipotle adobes add so much depth of flavor!

And that brings us to Friday. We are off to watch my dad sing in his Christmas concert at church, can’t wait! Always such a wonderful event for the season.

That’s a wrap – happy cooking!
C