Monday, December 15, 2008

West Seattle Christmas Tree


Brian and I picked out our West Seattle Christmas Tree last Saturday. We found this little Farmer's Market in our local neighborhood and found a very nice 5ft-ish noble fir.
We are especially excited this year as we have a bit more room in the house and a perfect picture window to display our tree.
My Mom and Kenny stopped by and took us to lunch on California Avenue and Brian, Sammy and I spent the late afternoon making the house all christmasey!
The best part of the day was a dusting of snow (1-3") which made Christmas come alive.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Menu Plan Monday: Early Christmas

Where has this year gone? Wow....it's hard to believe that Christmas is 10 days away! I am all finished with my shopping (by the skin of my teeth) and am ready for my first celebration as Chick and I exchange our stockings (and things that technically don't fit in a stocking) this Tuesday night.

Brian will be in Portland mid-week for another Rebecca Lane gift exchange on Thursday.

A special menu this week with some really yummy treats. I can feel good about them all because I know they are light and low calorie meals. Don't forget to check out more on Laura's site.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Monday: Bacon and Swiss Quiche with a Big Garden Salad
Tuesday: Goat Cheese and Herb Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Sauteed Green Beans
Wednesday: Flank Steak with Three Onion Relish and Texas Toast
Thursday: Baked Turkey Ziti with Caesar Salad

Friday, December 12, 2008

Old Photo Friday: Sandra on Santa's Lap

Date: 1965-66 - Sandra looks to be about 4 or 5
Location: Santa photos at some sort of furniture store
Who: Old St. Nick and Chick
What: It's the holiday season!

What's with the boots, Chick?! Merry Christmas!

Enjoy!
Stace

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Recipe of the Week: Potato Leek Soup

I've been craving soup lately! I've come across several yummy potato recipes and mixed them all together. This one sounds perfect along side some crusty bread and a glass of Chardonnay.

Potato Leek Soup

Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
4 Leeks, cleaned and green parts remove - chop fine
1 Small Shallot, finely diced
2 Carrots, peeled and diced
2 Celery Stalks, diced
3 Cloves Garlic, grated (this is my new favorite way)
6 Yukon Gold Potatoes, skinned and cut into cubes (Brian would probably prefer red potatoes)
1 Teaspoon fresh Thyme
8 Cups Chicken Stock
Salt & Pepper
2 Cups Heavy Cream
Sour Cream, for garnish (optional)

Directions:
1. In a large stock pot over medium high heat add the olive oil and leeks and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Next add the shallot, carrots, celery, grated garlic, and salt and pepper, continue cooking until just softened, about 8 minutes more.

2. Add the potatoes, fresh thyme, and chicken stock. Bring to a simmer, turn down heat and continue to cook until all the vegetables are very soft, about 30 minutes. Remove the soup from the heat and use a handheld blender (food processor or blender) to puree. If using a food processor or conventional blender please work in small batches then return the soup to your soup pan.

3. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve with a tablespoon of sour cream (thyme sprig for garnish).
Enjoy!
Stacy

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

My New Ornament


I found this company through a co-worker. They have some wonderful hand-made and hand painted ornaments.

I just couldn't resist this Santa (and some other goodies) for the Rebecca Lane household this year.

Enjoy!

Stacy

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

The History of Christmas Trees

The Christmas Tree, less commonly known as a Yule Tree, is one of the most popular traditions associated with the celebration of the Yuletide (otherwise known as Christmas).
Despite being associated with a Christian festival, many have made the claim that the tradition's origins are pre-Christian, originating in the ancient paganism of Europe. The tradition can be definitively dated to 16th century Germany, and it was popularized across the western world in the 18th and 19th centuries.

In 1539, a German church record mentions the erection of a Christmas tree. A small fir was decorated with apples, nuts, dates, pretzels and paper flowers.
By the early 18th century, the custom had become common in towns of the upper Rhineland, but it had not yet spread to rural areas. Wax candles are attested as decorations beginning in the late 18th century.

In the early 19th century, the custom became popular among the nobility and spread to royal courts as far as Russia. In France, the first Christmas tree was introduced in 1840.

In Britain, Queen Victoria as a child was familiar with the custom. In her journal for Christmas Eve 1832, the delighted 13-year-old princess wrote, "After dinner...we then went into the drawing-room near the dining-room...There were two large round tables on which were placed two trees hung with lights and sugar ornaments. All the presents being placed round the trees...".
A woodcut of the royal family with their Christmas tree at Osborne House, initially published in the Illustrated London News in December 1848, was copied in the U.S. at Christmas in 1850. Such patriotic prints of the British royal family at Christmas celebrations helped popularize the Christmas tree in Britain and among the Anglophile American upper class.
Several cities in the United States with German connections lay claim to that country's first Christmas tree. Windsor Locks, CT, claims that a Hessian soldier put up a Christmas tree in 1777 while imprisoned at the Noden-Reed House, while the "First Christmas Tree in America" is also claimed by Easton, Pennsylvania, where German settlers purportedly erected a Christmas tree in 1816.
Both setting up and taking down a Christmas tree are associated with specific dates. In Europe, when the practice of setting up evergreen trees originated in pagan times, the practice was associated with the Winter Solstice, around December 21. Tree decoration was later adopted into Christian practice after the Church set December 25 as the birth of Christ, thereby supplanting the pagan celebration of the solstice.

Traditionally, Christmas trees were not brought in and decorated until Christmas Eve, and then removed the day after twelfth night (January 6th); to have a tree up before or after these dates was even considered bad luck. Some traditions suggest that Christmas trees may be kept up until no later than the 2nd of February, the feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, when the Christmas season effectively closes.

These are the Christmas Trees of Rebecca Lane for 2008.
Enjoy,
Stacy

Monday, December 8, 2008

Rebecca Lane Christmas Trees 2008


Brian drove down from Seattle on Friday to help the ladies of Rebecca Lane gather their Christmas Trees for 2008.

On Friday night we went to the Providence Festival of Trees, which was interesting. They have a big gala and auction off trees and packages so it was cool to get some decorating ideas and work our way into the Christmas spirit!


We then checked out a hip wine bar called Alu Wine Bar on MLK. A really cool, retro house/garage that they have decked out in all sorts of refurbished furnishings. Very enjoyable. Good wine list with a German flare (Ales and food, too).
On Saturday morning, like last year.....we drove out Scholls Ferry Road to a small lot and found two beautiful trees. It was a different set up from last year and the trees were sparse (lots of people out in the beautiful sun) - but we did end up finding our trees.
Sandra prefers the Grand Fir, but I grew up with a Noble Fir.
Brian came along to assist us in our picks (and for the extra muscle power). My tree ended up being about 8feet tall!

Sunday night we celebrated with our annual decorating party along with a tray of creamy turkey enchiladas. More pictures of the finished products later in the week!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Menu Plan Monday: Pop's back for a visit!

With the holidays just around the corner and cocktail parties and Christmas gatherings almost every weekend, if not during the week.....here are some light and easy meals to prepare. For more of Menu Plan Monday, please check out Laura and all her creative friends.

This week we may decide (weather permitting) to go see the Zoo Lights or the Grotto display and my Pop is coming on Tuesday and Wednesday for his monthly visit.

Monday: Thai Ginger Chicken with Jasmine Rice
Tuesday: Beef Chow Mein
Wednesday: Homemade Calzone with a Big Garden Salad
Thursday: Garlic Scallops with Orzo (Thanks to Kalyn's Kitchen)

Enjoy!
Stacy

Friday, December 5, 2008

Old Photo Friday: Backseat Brian

Date: 1973-74, Brian looks to be about 13 or 14
Location: Backseat of the family car (perhaps taken by his Mom in the passenger seat)
Who: Brian
What: Obviously not amused by the photo being taken. He looks like a quiet, shy, contemplative adolescent.

This is one of my favorite pictures of Brian. I love that smile!

Enjoy!

Stace

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Recipe of the Week: Quick and Easy Cream Biscuits

Being an anglophile, I am constantly dreaming of English scones (known in America as biscuits) along side jam and clotted cream, English High Tea with all those yummy finger sandwiches and steaming cups of Earl Grey (with room for milk).

I found this recipe from Cook's Illustrated and even though I am not a baker, I thought that I could whip these up without any problems. Tea and biscuits (I mean scones), anyone!

Cream Biscuits

Makes Eight 2 1/2 -Inch Biscuits

Ingredients:
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour , plus extra for the counter
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1 1/2 cups heavy cream

Directions:
1. Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in medium bowl. Stir in the cream with a wooden spoon until dough forms, about 30 seconds. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and gather into a ball. Knead the dough briefly until smooth, about 30 seconds.

3. Shape the dough into a 3/4-inch-thick circle. Cut biscuits into rounds or wedges. Place rounds or wedges on parchment-lined baking sheet. (The baking sheet can be wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 2 hours.) Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through baking.

Serve with jam, butter and clotted cream

Enjoy!
Stacy

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

My Lunch with Sally

Sally has been a client for many years and every year my boss, Karen would take her to lunch for her birthday.

After Karen passed, I felt it in my heart to keep the tradition going.

Sally and I always meet at the Truffle Hunter in Gresham, but this year - she requested RED LOBSTER (not my fav, but our lunch was great). I really enjoy Sally's company so I guess our lunch spot really didn't matter. She's liberal, polite, super smart and really witty (oh and she loves cats).

Happy 71st Birthday, Sally! I hope you enjoyed your special day!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Monday, December 1, 2008

Washington County Thanksgiving Wine Tour

It's become quite the tradition at the Rebecca Lane household.....a tour of some of our favorite Washington County Wineries the day after Thanksgiving. Typically, Friday is a quieter day at the vineyards and each year there are more and more to fit into our schedule.

Brian drove down early on Friday from Seattle so we headed off about noon to the North end of the Willamette valley.
First Stop: Apolloni - Brian loves any place that starts us off with a large cheese platter! They had quite the spread, including a dessert tray. Very well organized tasting room with three separate stations - which keep things flowing. Italian-style wines, very clean and crisp. In addition, a nice "iced" style Viognier that we all really enjoyed. A $5 refundable tasting fee, if you buy a bottle which we found very enticing. We took a bottle of the Viognier home, thank you!

Second stop: Purple Cow - We discovered this little winery back in October with the Seymour's. I love the "down home feel" and exciting wine varieties. Tell me.....how many places have a fantastic Tempranillo and a dry "everyday" Muscat? Plus winemaker, Jose Galindez, "Galo" is a hoot and I enjoy his passion for wines. $5 tasting fee - well worth the visit.

Third Stop: Tualatin Estate Vineyard - They had a three dog greeting committee (you gotta love that). One of the reasons I keep coming back here is the wines......they are really good. I love their Chardonnay Pinot and Merlot. Great variety! A bonus......no tasting fee. Thanks to the staff - your passion, energy and friendliness keeps us coming back (at least 3 times a year). We left with two bottles of Chardonnay and a Pinot. Fourth Stop: I really wanted us all to try a place that we have never been too - Plum Hill - in fact, they just opened for business. So since they just opened I am going to give them a little bit of a break. Their wines are young - very young and not well developed. We loved the charm of their tasting room. I only hope the wine-making develops.


"Tables by Brian" - he loved the sign (although he didn't design the table)


Fifth Stop: Cooper Mountain - We are on the home stretch and a place right out our back door, but why am I never impressed with their wines? They offered several "flights" and Chick and I chose "EARTH" for $10 (glass included). The Pinot Gris was sweet and spicy and the Chardonnay was very clean, with little or no oak. The 2007 Pinot Noir Reserve was okay for an 07; however, I most enjoyed the deep, rich Malbec (2006).

Last Stop: Ponzi: Always one of the gems of the day - but a little steep on the sampling price, $15. In addition, they only offered 4 wines and one of them was a Vino Gelato (dessert variety). We left with a 2006 reserve Chardonnay for $30 - which I believe was way to steep especially for a Chardonnay. A bit disappointed, but the Ponzi name sells itself.


Thanks to Brian for being the semi-DD (he did taste a few)! We had a great memorable day!
Enjoy!
Stacy

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Menu Plan Monday: Back to the Basics

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. It's back to the basics here......light, low-fat, WW inspired meals to get us through the week.

Lot's of Christmas activities are beginning. Don't miss the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Tuesday night on NBC! A tradition at my house.

Check out all the other foodies HERE for more great menu ideas.

Enjoy!
Stacy

MONDAY: Steak Salad with Spicy Buttermilk Dressing
TUESDAY: Cheeseburger Casserole with Leftover Salad
WEDNESDAY: Chickpea and Brown Rice Veggie Patties with Tomato Cucumber Salad
THURSDAY: Greek Shrimp with Orzo
FRIDAY: Providence Festival of Trees and maybe a bit and a flight at this place

Our Thanksgiving 2008

Chick and I celebrated Thanksgiving at Rebecca Lane. It was a quiet day, spent relaxing at home - but we had a wonderful time just the two of us....

And our new friend......Mr. Turkey (whose butt lit up with a candle).


We has a little bubbly to kick the party off.


Chick always decorates such a nice table. We used the turkey plates again this year. They are so cute!

The food was wonderful.....homemade with lots of love.

The best part about the start of the holiday season is spending 4 quiet days at Rebecca Lane.
Enjoy!

Stacy