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Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup of seasoned flour (flour with 2 tsp dried herbs and freshly ground black pepper added)
• 1/2 cup fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup sliced carrots, steamed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup of fresh green beans, cut into small pieces and steamed
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 3/4 cup red wine

Preparation:

Dredge chicken thighs in seasoned flour. Heat oil on medium heat in large Dutch oven. Brown chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes. Transfer browned chicken to a plate. Add 1 tbsp chicken broth followed by veggies and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add red wine and chicken broth, cover and cook for 15 minutes until chicken thighs are cooked through and vegetables are tender.

Serves 4.

Ok, I’ll admit it.  I like Kraft 1000 Island Lite Salad Dressing.    For whatever reason, by the time I get done making dinner and fluffing the salad, I just can’t seem to pull together a decent homemade salad dressing.    

But they’re so easy!  And so fresh and yummy!  Yes, you’re right, and just for you, I’m going to give it another try this summer.   The proportions of oil to vinegar are 3 to 1.  A little shake of salt and pepper, and voila, you can be done.  

Or you can add all kinds of extras to put a great, unique taste in the dressing.  Try adding shallot, honey, garlic, mustard, soy or fresh herbs.  And let me know what works for you – there’s nothing I like better than emulating someone’s kitchen success.

It’s almost too good to be believed- a very very highly rated Robert Parker wine for a mere $11.99 a bottle!  Here’s an email I received earlier this week from Amanda at Carlo Russo wines…..and yes, I ordered a case.

Pesquie Les Terrasses Cotes du Ventoux 2007

Reg. $14.99    On Sale $11.99

Robert Parker 91 Points!

Two weeks ago, I sent an email promoting the delicious, crowd-pleasing Pesquie Les Terrasses 2007, before it was reviewed. We had such incredible success with the 90 point rated 2006 vintage, and we were so confident the 2007 would rate even better, given the superb quality of the vintage. The review just came out late last week. Here is what Robert Parker had to say about the 2007:

“The 2007 Terrasses Rouge is a custom cuvee put together for importer Eric Solomon. Made from 60-year-old Grenache and 30-year-old Syrah, one-third is aged in small barrels and the rest in foudre and tank. I’m sure discounters will offer this cuvee for around $12 a bottle, which makes it a remarkable bargain. A dense ruby/purple color is followed by aromas of cassis, kirsch, lavender, pepper, and spice. The sweetness of the tannins, abundant glycerin, razor sharp focus, and wonderful depth make for a wine that transcends its humble price and bucolic appellation. Drink it over the next 2-3 years.  91 Points.”

Overall, as noted in my last email, Robert Parker called the 2007 vintage in the Rhone the “vintage of his lifetime.”Regarding Chateau Pesquie, Parker acknowledges it as one of the Cotes du Ventoux’s top estates, producing a number of “top-notch, value-priced wines”.

Last week we tasted the Pesquie Les Terrasses in the shop at one of our Saturday tastings, and it proved to be one of the customer favorites of the tasting. Now that the review has come   out, I thought it a good idea to offer the wine once again via email for those that were waiting to see it. Here is a second opportunity at a phenomenal bargain – which happens to be a great wine for summer as well! We have about 30 cases left in stock, and will not be able to get more once it sells out.

Château Pesquie Les Terrasses 2007

Jancis Robinson “Wine of the Week”: “This Terrasses cuvée is sweet, round and rich with that delightful herby overlay of successful southern Rhône reds – lovely stuff ! It’s silky and almost drinkable already but … more

BN#265980
$14.99
On Sale $11.99
SKU02940

Please email me with any questions regarding these wines.

Amanda Donnelly
Online Sales Manager
Carlo Russo’s Wine and Spirit World
201-444-2033

Apparently, it was a popular tradition in the Victorian Era to place a sixpence in the bride’s shoe to bring the couple wealth and good fortune.

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Once a truly thrifty gift, a sixpence from the 1920′s is now worth about $75.  Not exactly a thrifty (or useful) gift.

So what to give?  Most newlyweds get to spend a nice long time in the spotlight – they’re the new “it” couple, the newly engaged bride and groom to be.  Lots of parties, lots of celebrations (including their wedding shower!).  But then what?  The big day arrives…..and leaves.   Post-wedding day depression?

One great way to help the new couple get over the blues is to get them the kind of gift that gives  them something to do together, like spend time together in the kitchen.   Mama Says “No  More Frozen Pizza!” is exactly the kind of thrifty (only $18.99!!) and fun gift to give.  The recipes are simple, healthy, quick and easy to make, and have just the right amount of chopping, slicing and dicing for two.  If you really feel creative, you can add some kitchen towels – these bar mop towels are my all time faves.

Give a great shower gift, stay within your budget, and give the newlyweds something fun to do to help them get over the “i’m no longer the center of attention blues”…..maybe you’ll even get invited over for dinner!!

Craft Idea: Broken Crayons

It’s summer time, kids are home for the summer and often the goal seems to be avoiding those dreaded words…’I’m bored – there’s nothing to do.’

To jog my memory during those moments when you need to suggest an activity, I’ve started a list of possible activities to do with the kids to avoid that dreaded refrain.  One of the ideas on my list is from Stephanie Oppenheim, the Founder of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio.  She demo’d this activity on the Today Show many months ago.  It made my craft list, so I’m delighted to share this terrific idea with you.

Crayon Muffins
Here’s an idea that will keep the kids busy (they prepare and sort and later have new crayons for their artwork) – and help you clean-up, de-clutter and recycle those old crayon stubs that are lingering around the house.

Note: this involves the oven, hot muffin tins and melting crayons – so supervised time is required for this craft.

Supplies:

* Muffin pan
* Foil muffin liners (or paper liners, stacked three deep each)
* Broken crayons

Instructions:

1) Heat the oven to 350*.
2) Have the kids remove all of the paper from each crayon and put the muffin liners in the pan.
3) Depending on the age of your kids they can either begin filling the cups the broken crayons (about half full) or sorting the crayons by color.  There are so many possible color combinations to create: cups with the same color, similar colors, coordinating colors, and/or a random mix of colors.
4) Place in oven and watch carefully. It will take about 8 – 10 minutes. Remove when the crayon bits have melted together. You can use a toothpick to create a swirl effect in the wax before it cools.  Be careful the wax is very hot.
5) Allow to cool. Remove the liners and your kids have fun new crayons.

It’s this is a great idea! Creating a new toy out of existing materials.  This is truly a thrifty, fun, frugal, and green activity to do with children.

Get artistic with your kids.