The Fourth Thus Far...Ebelskiver'd and Peach'd

Greetings everyone!  To those of you in the United States - hope you are having a most wonderful 4th of July...and to others far and wide I hope your weekend has been a relaxing one.

The Chef and I have been out and about visiting some of our favorite restaurants, taking in the local sights and indulging in a movie or two.  It's been a great few days off so far and we're looking forward to grilling up some goodness this afternoon.  The fireworks have been going off like crazy in the neighborhood, but no random fires yet!  Whew!! Last night we started to plan and prepare the menu for today's festivities...apparently the cats decided to send a message that this is their day too because I was greeted by a random chicken wing at the cat dish this morning. 

So much for taking out the trash out before bed.  Oops!  Luckily that wing was not on today's menu.

We started out this morning with a red, white and blue breakfast treat to get in the Independence Day mood.  Have you heard of or do you own the Ebelskiver Pan?  Nordic Ware is the maker of this glorious little pan, and Williams-Sonoma is a fine distributor of it.

I have a firm rule regarding gifts:  do not show up with a household item.  Unless it's a Shark Steamer or an Ebelskiver pan.  When I opened this thing on Christmas morning it was a moment.  We busted out the gluten-free pancake batter and got right to it.  Ebelskivers are fluffy little filled pancakes (Denmark born) - they can be filled with anything your heart desires from fruit and jams to cheese and veggies.  My favorite dessert ebelskivers are filled with chocolate or fruit - and for dinner I love to whip up a few using different cheeses and minced jalapeno.  Delicious.   This morning we opted for fresh strawberry filled and garnished with powdered sugar, blueberries, raspberries and whipped cream.

It's a non-stick pan, but we begin by dotting each area with a bit of butter - Paula Deen style.  Then we fill each circle about a quarter to a third with pancake batter (this morning we added a tablespoon of powdered sugar to the batter). 

As the batter sets you can add your favorite flavors.  Here are ours with the fresh strawberries.  Mmmmm.  See how they are beginning to separate from the sides of the pan?

Next you cover them with a smidge of the batter to encase the filling.  Not too much or they are difficult to turn.  They're a little tricky to flip, but don't freak out if they slop around a bit - as you turn them successively, the batter is captured.

Here they are flipped - see how there's just a little on the edges around each circle?  No big deal.

And here's the final plated product.  We basically piled them on the plate, sprinkled powdered sugar and berries over top, and added a dollop of whipped cream to complete.  Yikes were they ever good!  I even pulled out the summertime beach plates even though we basically ate surrounded by fog yet again this morning.  Argh.

Here's a final close up.  I highly recommend this pan (and obviously this particular choice of toppings!).  It is great for mixing up day-to-day meals, but also is so fun to have handy on special days like today or even for birthdays and must-needed chocolate rendezvous' with the girlfriends. 

While I'm typing this post to you, the Chef is finishing up in the kitchen and getting the grill going for our afternoon.  He is a big fan of cocktails and came up with a special one to enjoy throughout the day today while all the screaming woooohooooooo'ers go off in the neighborhood.  I've already sampled one and think you will enjoy.  This one's for you Shannan!

Long Island Peach Iced Tea 
Ingredients
Peach Syrup
2     Peaches
1C  Sugar
1C  Water

Drink
.5oz  Tequila
1 oz  Gin
.5oz  Rum
.5oz   Peach Schnapps
Splash of Triple Sec
.5oz  Orange Juice
.25oz Lime Juice
.25oz Lemon Juice
Coke or Pepsi to top
1oz   Peach Syrup
2ea   Peach wedges from syrup

To make the syrup first cut peaches into wedges. Place them in a large bowl - including the pits.

Next, combine sugar and water in a pot and bring to a boil for 1 minute.

After a minute, pour the mixture over the peaches - the heat from the liquid infuses the flavor into the syrup. 

Let this stand until cooled and place in the fridge until ready to use.

Cocktail
Begin by placing two wedges from the syrup into the bottom of your glass.  Fill 3/4 to the top with ice.

Next, pour in all the remaining ingredients except the cola.

Add the cola until the color looks like tea, and then stir to combine.

Complete your cocktail by garnishing with a lemon wheel and another peach wedge.

Ta-da!!  I have to say that adult flavored lemonades are my favorites and I tend to stay in my comfort zone with them or a sangria.  There was a hint of leery when he brought up this idea, but I'm really glad I decided to suck it up and take a chance.  These will be the perfect side to any barbecue today - or throughout the summer.  Speaking of which, the sun is out so I am going to get out of here and take it in.  Happy 4th of July everyone!! xoxo - Carrie

Calling Sean Penn. And Later - An Outfit To Keep It Classy & Casual on the 4th

Well, well, well.  Now isn't that the longest blogger title you ever did see?  I never was one for coloring inside the lines.  Except when I was 5.

So without further ado, let me tell you this is NOT the post I had planned as we head into the 4th of July weekend here in the US.  I was just going to give you a sample of what I might wear on the day and meander off.  Instead I spent this week becoming increasingly more agitated by the Oil Spill Crisis on the Mississippi Gulf Coast (amongst other far less original, basically banal irritations, but I'll stick to the course for this post). 

                                                            image via Bumpkin on a Swing

The past two days, in particular, I have spent a good portion of time on the telephone explaining to close friends and colleagues why they should go check out Bumpkin on a Swing's blog to really see the devastation and hear the heartwrenching stories of people living and working amidst this disaster.  It's been shocking to me.  I grew up on the Prairies in Canada where oil and gas is a healthy chunk of local business.  I know what it's like to have those rigs on our land, and know the people working on them.  It's a high risk job.  But if there was a gusher - because it would be open air - they would be able to cap it much more quickly.  I understand that.

Now that I live in California and see the oil rigs off the coast, and know what has happened in the South - I somehow feel very connected to this tragedy.  Maybe because the industry and the people are so very familiar to me.

 

image via notebookdoodles

Whatever the case for once I literally want to see more of Hollywood get involved.  I WANT TO SEE SEAN PENN WEARING A BASEBALL CAP AND MANNING A DINGY THROUGH OIL RIDDEN WATERS GOING OFF ON HIS CAMERAMAN ABOUT WHY THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.  I can't believe I am actually saying this, but it's true.  I want to see Anderson Cooper diving into the water in some crazy lifegear retrieving sick wildlife in nets and bringing them to safety (they'd be calm for him because he's Anderson and he's got a magic touch).  I want Brad and Angie to come running out and shake their heads in dismay from the sickness that's spreading through the Gulf because of the oil spill and the toxins in the air.  I want them to melodramatically be handing out gas masks for all of the world to see - making the powers that be look inefficient in comparison to two actors.  I just want more of a spotlight on the situation.  To see more outrage.  To see the people helped more quickly.  For everyone to work together to get on the same page.  I couldn't just stroll off into the long weekend without saying anything.  Because the people who have to live with the effects of that spill probably won't have the most pleasant 4th of July, and that makes me very, very sad.  After Katrina a lot of the people in the South thought that a lot of the rest of us had forgotten them.  So even though I can't do much and have no real power, I just wanted to do my little part to say  "hey, we do see and we are with you in spirit"- even though that doesn't feel like much.

By the way, did you see that FEMA pulled in the formaldehyde ridden trailers for workers to stay in?  What is up with that??  When Anderson Cooper reported on that tonight I almost snapped.  Actually I think he almost did too.  We learned (or so I thought) from Katrina that those things are poisonous and unlivable.  Why are they now being used again??  And for people who are working in completely toxic situations as it is to come in to rest in those things is even more crazy.  My head is sore from thinking about all of this.

So because I feel like I've been breathing in oil fumes for weeks here's that outfit I promised.  It seems crazy to even include it after my soapbox, but it is still the 4th, it's still going to happen, and I'm gonna make myself get out in style with the mob.  I'll be taking in those fireworks displays in the name of every person in the South who won't be able to enjoy it firsthand.  Style on!

Outfit details:  Ray-Ban Metro Wayfarer, Eugenia Kim Toyo Braid Fedora, Alex and Ani Expandable Wire Bracelets, Rebecca Minkoff Lovespell Crossbody Bag, Gorjana Large Horseshoe Necklace, Matt Bernson KM Gladiator Zip Sandal,  Vionnet Leather Self-Tie Belt, Stella McCartney Cashmere and Silk Blend Cardigan, and finally the Forever 21 romper pictured here is sold out - at $22 I can see why - J.Crew has a similar one that is more expensive, but super gorgeous and here's the link J.Crew Stripe Silk Romper. 

Striped. And Shoed.

I don't know about you, but I am ready for the weekend.  How is it that this week seems to be moving at a snail's pace?  Perhaps because there is an extra day off just waiting at the end.  Sigh

In any event, although it was not planned I guess this outfit could be a little throwdown in celebration (and anticipation) of the 4th of July.  So let's get to it.  How do you feel about stripes?  Yes?  No?  Sometimes?  I have to say that although I am really drawn to stripes, I tend to stop myself from buying too many because they could really fill up my closet and take over - I like 'em that much.  However, with my love for nautical-inspired looks, I do keep a few navy and white striped staples on hand for their fresh, clean appeal.

This Brandy & Melville dress is one of my all-time faves.  Probably because it is so easy to work with and made from a very soft, yet sturdy, cotton.  This past weekend we made a valiant attempt to go to the beach on Saturday (if you keep saying it's summer maybe it will show up?) The weather was actually semi-warm that day and we got a good couple hours of sun, although you would never know it from my still white legs. When we strolled off the beach I threw this dress on to go catch the sunset from a better spot and later grab a bite.

I gotta tell ya that finding a comfortable place to sit on rocks is not easy (as you can imagine).   What I realized from this exercise is the dress was a great investment.  It gives in all the right places, the stripes are very forgiving, and the fact that there is more navy than white means it won't show dirt in all the wrong places (the derriere in this case).  It made me think that perhaps a few more stripes wouldn't hurt - especially for looser tops and particularly if we're eating out (think Mexican food) and I want to eat a lot without worrying about the tummy area! hehe

You know what else?  The 4th of July aside, I'm really feeling this red, white and blue combo.  When I first threw it all in the bag I thought it might be questionable, but once on it actually looked quite cute.  I paired the dress with my Bensimon sneakers which are basically irresistible.  Do you own a pair?  They're inexpensive, come in a ton of colors and are so, so comfortable.  Piperlime has several colors on sale that could easily take you from summer into fall, if you're interested.  They're perfect for just scuffing around and are a great casual alternative to a ballet flat.  Here's a close up:

I realize it's bad behavior, but one of the best things about these is the flexible fabric - I can just step on the backs with zero guilt!  Ever since I saw A Lot Like Love, and Amanda Peet was rolling around in that adorable red skirt with the Chucks she just stomped the backs on, those squished back shoes have been frozen in my mind.  The Bensimon's have been a dream come true :)  What can I say?  It's the simple things, right?

Here's the wonderful sunset we caught that night.  This one's for you Bumpkin - have you checked out her blog?  She lives on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and does an outstanding job of updating her readers on the goings on with the oil spill - her husband, The Captain, works at sea so he gets a firsthand look and shares with us.  It sure is tough to read, and the pictures are very sad, but it's great to be able to get the truth and lend support.  Please check out her blog if you get the chance.

Oh!  And if you're looking to add a striped dress or two to your life why not consider one of these little numbers:  Ella Moss's Sundance Halter Dress, Splendid's Charcoal Rugby Stripe Dress, Gap's Belted Nautical Stripe Tank Dress, or Anthropologie's Sunwashed Dots Shirtdress (personal fave - gorgeous).

Outfit details:  Tom Ford Sunglasses, Brandy & Melville Dress, Bensimon Sneakers, Marc by Marc Jacobs Tote