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Stylish Favorites (7)

IMG_1822{Raisin-Cinnamon chip challah with peaches and jam}

Great Harvest Bread Co. The Great Harvest Bread Co. located in the historic township of Herndon is a quaint shop surrounded by early 20th century shops, a now defunct railroad and the W & OD Trail.  I purchased two loaves of the most delicious tasting “Raisin Cinnamon Chip” challah to serve with coffee for Saturday morning.  I like to slice the loaf thinly and toast the pieces under the broiler then serve with a bit of jam and butter. These breads are 100% whole grain, stone ground and baked fresh, all within the bakery. U Street Flea Market The District Flea opened last weekend on the U Street Corridor, the collaboration between local vendors and those who started the Brooklyn Flea, New York’s massive outdoor market, which features antiques, repurposed furniture, and my favorite…vintage clothing, plus delicious fresh food! They will open at this location until the end of October and based on how well received it is at this location, will hopefully reopen next year. Le Diplomate 1601 14th Street NW, Washington DC 20009 Before scouring the flea market, we had brunch at Le Diplomate a typical French Bistro with a menu that features a variety of classics such as Escargots, Steak Frites, Bouillabaisse and Onion Soup Gratinee. I tried the “Eggs Boudin Noir”, which was eggs cooked en cocotte, served with boudin noir (blood sausage), asparagus and grilled levain (a sourdough bread made by a long fermentation process). At the table we shared a fabulous variety of breads that were served in a basket, and the one we all devoured was the cranberry-walnut loaf, it was truly the best!!

IMG_0794{First picked tomatoes from Heath}

Fresh Picked Tomatoes The tomatoes have finally turned red and those vines that survived deer, chipmunks and rain are now being harvested. And as anyone will state, you must wait all summer for great tasting tomatoes such as beefsteak, heirlooms and cherry tomatoes. I refuse to purchase them in store after the start of summer and scour the farmers markets for these delicious varieties.

Tomato and Basil Salad Slice tomatoes, red onions and tear what is left of the summer basil into bowl. Splash in the white balsamic vinegar, kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Shaved pieces of Parmesan make this dish absolutely delicious and so easy. 

IMG_1183{A night photo of our family pet Malcolm}

Malcolm the Cat My cat Malcolm waiting for me near the front door the other night after an evening walk. He is always a great and welcoming site after a long sojourn throughout the neighborhood!!

Stay Stylish!

K

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Stylish Taste

IMG_0735{Chicken broth to be frozen and later used for soups, casseroles or potpies}

Lately, I have been spending Saturday mornings prepping food for the upcoming week so, there are always ready-made items on hand when I get home on weekday evenings and do not want to think about crafting an entire meal from scratch. Menus are also drafted and planned so dinner is never left to chance, especially after an exhausting day.

IMG_3398 IMG_3409

Vegetables and fruits are purchased from the farmers market or specialty food stores, then washed and rinsed before being divided into zip-lock or freezer bags for lunches or pre-dinner crudités.  Meats are portioned and placed in wrap for stir-fries, stews or pasta dishes. The market had Cornish hens on sale, which were served for Sunday dinner with breadcrumbs {moistened with a touch of vermouth}, onions, pine nuts, celery and tarragon.

I was up early blanching four huge bunches of broccoli rabe in salted boiling water for a few minutes and then shocked the stalks in an ice bath which removes the bitter flavor before it is wrapped tightly in plastic for freezing. So later in the week when we want a tasty stir-fry all I need to do is place the broccoli rabe in the fridge to thaw with a bit of meat before going to work in the mornings and the meal is partially assembled.

IMG_3401{Sauteed beef with bay leaves, rosemary and a bit of sage from the garden}

Pre-cooking and freezing meats such as grilled chicken breasts or sautéed beef with herbs from the garden is a great way to get a jump on a weeknight meal. The sautéed beef can used to make a delicious and quick beef bourguignon or a stir-fry with bell peppers. The grilled chicken can be used for tasty subs with veggies or sliced into a healthy salad with sourdough croutons and my homemade dressing.

Most of us are under tremendous pressure from work so, I am always searching for ways to create delicious time saving meals. It makes great sense to prep and freeze dishes ahead of time to ensure that dinner is always an enjoyable meal.

Make every meal a matter of great taste!!

K