Nap Repellant

Nap "Foiled" Again

This is Bosco.  Okay...I know he's cute. He has just been scolded for being on the sofa. Yeah, those sad eyes and ears back are a killer, but this little one is simply not allowed on the sofa.

He has access to three dog beds (one is French and has a faux fur cover, by the way), two actual beds (well, my other dog has claim to the entire guest room as his own), and a basement to lounge, play, and sleep. Now you tell me, am I being unreasonable to ask for just one piece of furniture to call my own?

After weeks of what I presumed was training, it turns out it was simply a small suggestion.  I came home one day only to find him laying on the sofa, flat on his back, dead asleep with his mouth open.  Yes, he was having the nap of a lifetime. He must have jumped 10 feet in the air when he was scolded for being on the sofa.

Reynolds Wrap and I have become very good friends.  There is a lovely large basket beside the sofa where I keep a long piece of aluminum foil when I'm home and the foil goes on the couch when I leave.  It is said that the noise and glare of the foil is distracting, so animals stay away.  Also, in true Pavlovian style, it has trained him not to use the piece even when I'm not around.

Now I think my girl Martha would say that this is a good thing!

Soothing Inspiration

Zero George Boutique Hotel

Inspiration can come from anywhere.  My husband and I love to stay at unconventional places when we travel.  It could be anything from a simple cottage to a quirky bed and breakfast.  So while traveling in Charleston, I happened upon this stunning boutique hotel that just opened last February.  It has already garnered praise from Travel & Leisure and Martha Stewart Weddings.  The only way that I can describe the atmosphere is southern elegance wrapped in warmth.

The luxurious fabrics, the plush down sofas, and cloud-like beds are traditional, but do not look granny.  Zero George mixes old with new to create their own style.  The sitting room (above) is right off the library and is crammed with alluring architectural and design books that are available to guests 24 hours a day.

I absolutely love this window.  It belongs to the boutique's common area which is flooded by light because of these transparent balloon shades...genius.

This window (above) was the inspiration for my living room.  The simple and elegant balloon shade gives privacy while allowing plenty of light to come through.

The first step was sanding, priming, and painting the fireplace and molding in our home.

Our Living Room Before

Taping off hundreds of corners (below) was made easy by using Avery easy-to-peel off  labels left over from a homemade beer project.  

Prep For Paint

 
Here is the final product of all the sanding, taping, priming, and painting.  The ceiling moldings were painted the same color of the walls to give the illusion of height.  I changed the wall color using a soft matte paint.  Finally, we decided to use a soft white on the moldings and a soft blackish gray on the actual window.

Instead of having custom shades, I opted for sheer shades I found on clearance at a discount store.  The result? The same look at a fraction of the price.    

Living Room After Painting

Humble Chocolate Turnovers

Humble Turnovers

Today, we're making chocolate turnovers.  The answer is "yes" and "yes."  Yes these are divine and yes they are easy to make.  

I first made them when I owned a small neighborhood bakery.  Later, I realized they are the perfect portable dessert for picnics.  They don't melt, they're great at room temperature, and can be placed in a simple wax baggie for transport...perfect.  You can really fill them with what ever you want be it sweet or savory.  I've done everything from blackberry and apple to even a creamy crab filling.  

Here's what you need:

Puff pastry (I like to use Pepperidge Farm )

1 egg

3 tablespoons of cream

1/4 cup turbinado sugar
2 bars of high quality chocolate (I like bittersweet, but use what ever you like)
Powder sugar for dusting
Heavy cookie sheet (cheap ones just burn everything)
A sheet of parchment paper
Rolling pin
Pastry brush

This is a super easy recipe.  The only thing to remember is to always keep the puff pastry cold.  Warm puff pastry does not rise.  

You can find puff pastry in the freezer department.  Pepperidge Farms has two sheets in each box.  Thaw over night in the refrigerator or on the counter, but you'll have to make sure it stays cold.

Have all items out and ready to use.  Make an egg wash by mixing the egg and cream in a small bowl.

Lightly flour your work surface and place one sheet of puff pastry on top, lightly dusting it with flour as well.  Keep the other sheet of pastry in the fridge (wrapped) to stay cold.  

Very lightly roll out your pastry.  You just want a unified thickness.  Now understand the less you roll, the more flaky layers you'll have...so be easy.  Next, cut the pastry into quarters.  First, in half from top to bottom.  Then in half from side to side.  If the pastry feels soft and gets warm, place in the frig for just a few to get cold again.  Remember, cold is the key.

Next, break pieces of the chocolate bar and place in the middle.  Brush the edges of the square very lightly with egg wash and fold one corner diagonally into a triangle...hence, turnover. Repeat to make all eight turnovers making sure they stay cold.

Brush the tops with egg wash.  Then sprinkle the tops with turbinado sugar and bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees.  Note: for savory turnovers, you could sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or flake sea salt and pepper.

Place on wire racks to cool then dust with powder sugar.  Enjoy.       
   
Note: I've served them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert during a dinner party.