The Great Rug Debate... is over! | Living Room Rug

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkv__RMFG9aDnyDV5d5Ir6jcHLDOU26EWqc2nB_TYTB2ZMDeJm0SqracThGqfH0wawoJEVljaLWI-CV1nITOM2isbQZlBp6yKNgQ_9rFkOglc3nt7SvyEJm16ysP5_Hwt0vcKf3NnhyphenhyphenIv/s1600/IMG_9474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkv__RMFG9aDnyDV5d5Ir6jcHLDOU26EWqc2nB_TYTB2ZMDeJm0SqracThGqfH0wawoJEVljaLWI-CV1nITOM2isbQZlBp6yKNgQ_9rFkOglc3nt7SvyEJm16ysP5_Hwt0vcKf3NnhyphenhyphenIv/s640/IMG_9474.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />As you may recall, about a month ago, I dedicated <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-new-living-room-design-board-great.html">a post to my search for a living room rug</a>.  It needed to be big - really big.  I wanted it to be wool, neutral in color, soft and comfy for Emma and within a reasonable budget.  I was even willing to be a little flexible on the budget for the right rug... but a "budget" can really run wild in the rug department.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCD03udrvh37vL0Hq6xDFpLfbGzHfAdAWzSUmgG3FNhrBNynoK9Ud3TzbHhspi2WtElf4cGhiJ0jBBjI0P8_7YfFyXmYa_UZnhklZDzGUfgKdyjrw8VjtFsZfeClrDpWc2SOedEbJxgMBx/s1600/IMG_9475.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCD03udrvh37vL0Hq6xDFpLfbGzHfAdAWzSUmgG3FNhrBNynoK9Ud3TzbHhspi2WtElf4cGhiJ0jBBjI0P8_7YfFyXmYa_UZnhklZDzGUfgKdyjrw8VjtFsZfeClrDpWc2SOedEbJxgMBx/s640/IMG_9475.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>At some point along the way I found myself at a store looking at rugs that were $6,000+... then Mike says, "Jenny, you do realize that you have a 9-month-old baby and a dog, right?  And people are going to be walking on this thing.  With shoes."  Humph.<br /><br />I looked back at my original "<a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-new-living-room-design-board-great.html">The Great Rug Debate</a>" post and read the comments that you had left - I noticed a reoccurring theme... overstock.com.  And so I went.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5QzwOu_hidZheSmb2FP9LnOmgo4kSnrku3H4zorPrEDpdoJzN-WeQj4c1oSNmuxIAbQa71Ofue0HVLxR5gpXYua7zzDbIvXP_Pp_U9QPSBTMx8YdeaCPZYOsVeVgpdT2LGeqymmVOvNk/s1600/IMG_9482.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5QzwOu_hidZheSmb2FP9LnOmgo4kSnrku3H4zorPrEDpdoJzN-WeQj4c1oSNmuxIAbQa71Ofue0HVLxR5gpXYua7zzDbIvXP_Pp_U9QPSBTMx8YdeaCPZYOsVeVgpdT2LGeqymmVOvNk/s640/IMG_9482.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />And I found!  I had originally thought I wanted a grey rug, but after searching there and not finding anything I was in love with, I broadened my search to include "neutral." <br /><br />I'm in love.  When I saw <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Handmade-Treasured-Sand-Wool-Rug-9-x-12/3102879/product.html">this rug</a>, I assumed that it was priced similarly to other large (9x12) rugs I had seen on the site - probably around $1,200-1,800.  Perfect.  But guess what...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0PEZbDZVAt4jgwb0EJ3LxyvUpqDXsvVnUcznYIehxhlBdw68klMoWjKdIYN1BkFSaQIiEeNqUOp5-X4ymgTJbrMm_ckWAv92OvVPpO48JSwYqZ3RjwydNa__haOP4kDFMoFSXk3NuFR0/s1600/IMG_9483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0PEZbDZVAt4jgwb0EJ3LxyvUpqDXsvVnUcznYIehxhlBdw68klMoWjKdIYN1BkFSaQIiEeNqUOp5-X4ymgTJbrMm_ckWAv92OvVPpO48JSwYqZ3RjwydNa__haOP4kDFMoFSXk3NuFR0/s640/IMG_9483.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>The 9x12 was only around $500.  What?!  So, feeling like I had just found an extra bag of gold, I went ahead and ordered the next size up - a whopping 10.5 x 14 for around $650, delivered. <br /><br />I really owe you all for the recommendation - like an extra $1000! <br /><br />Rug Source : Overstock.com <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Handmade-Treasured-Sand-Wool-Rug-9-x-12/3102879/product.html">"Handmade Treasured Sand" Area Rug</a><br /><br /><br /><br />

The Great Rug Debate... is over! | Living Room Rug

As you may recall, about a month ago, I dedicated a post to my search for a living room rug .  It needed to be big - really big.  I wanted i...

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Make-Ahead Meal | Rustic Penne Shrimp Pasta in a Parmesan & Red Pepper Cream Sauce

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78o5yEypAhH6okEGp013hSjEaxuIkW9XEMpNPpgqI2r0W0g08W9wwEwT5tr1PLT5NSogdWpfK7CJB11xGtb56uzaTzgB_PHt9f4In_wZZ6HH8cgj8gM_WpmRW5IaHo0HFR_o_WEcymrV0/s1600/IMG_9232.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78o5yEypAhH6okEGp013hSjEaxuIkW9XEMpNPpgqI2r0W0g08W9wwEwT5tr1PLT5NSogdWpfK7CJB11xGtb56uzaTzgB_PHt9f4In_wZZ6HH8cgj8gM_WpmRW5IaHo0HFR_o_WEcymrV0/s640/IMG_9232.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />After spending the last year and a half in New England on our little 'life vacation,' and a couple of weeks bouncing between our parents' homes, then living out of boxes in our new house (before photo tour!) for the last couple of weeks, I finally feel a little settled.  A little.  Furthermore,  Emma is at her Mother's Day Out program today (she goes twice a week) and all I have on my list today is to make dinner for Mike and me tonight.  That's right, Mr. Darcy and I have the house to ourselves for the day, it is (for the most part) unpacked and organized and we get to cook, set the table, take photos and blog without juggling my Miss Emma.<br /><br /><script language="JavaScript1.1" src="http://oascentral.blogher.org/RealMedia/ads/adstream_jx.ads/ReviewBadge/OID3269_BOA-CR_MakeAhead-BHntwrk_Badge_008/@x13"></script> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJqMwV55gh-0oKql3vaqa-hdkqJLl2yCzuW8A2PDod4mIILbh3a-q0H4frZHQPL0yEc57EoJKiL0ZJR1svRWKeMP8Z91mVovF4r923Ynwqj1jnKwyWlc5dxeGwfbhS1K3HOfU69tXakQB/s1600/IMG_9079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJqMwV55gh-0oKql3vaqa-hdkqJLl2yCzuW8A2PDod4mIILbh3a-q0H4frZHQPL0yEc57EoJKiL0ZJR1svRWKeMP8Z91mVovF4r923Ynwqj1jnKwyWlc5dxeGwfbhS1K3HOfU69tXakQB/s400/IMG_9079.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>I don't feel guilty one bit for being excited about it.  Well, ok, I feel a little guilty.  But, for a Mom who hasn't had a baby sitter for 9 months and has never spent any substantial time away from her little girl, I have to admit it does feel good to be back in my grove again.  Even if it is only a few of hours a couple of days a week - she goes to "school" from 8:30 - 2:30 - I highly recommend it.  And when it is time to pick her up, I get so excited I almost run inside to get her, like I can't get there fast enough.  Ahhh, the power of a little break from Mommyhood. <br />  <br />While I used to be the type to go to the store around 5 o'clock everyday to get ingredients for dinner, with our new schedule I plan to cook dinner while Emma's at school and then reheat  it or finish the cooking when Mike gets home and we've put Emma to bed.  So, I'm beginning to build my repertoire of make-ahead meals and modifying my recipes to work with our new schedule. Of course, planning menus that can be made completely ahead of time is one of my entertaining rules. So, I'm starting to think about planning our weekday dinners as I do a dinner party. I'm going to make everything ahead of time then do the finishing just before we're ready to eat.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6zw5QaTq_VZZO8H3ekNPhgOIOkvLp8AiWY56tQbAB0mXtxO14WjivAg-zqNV2BTQN-0N_hkgTd-aEFOTLI88JBLjd7xDUrxRHUCKXs_EWjGsJOWR1eBHircvas9ruov36Vy9rZQTxL7O/s1600/IMG_9288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6zw5QaTq_VZZO8H3ekNPhgOIOkvLp8AiWY56tQbAB0mXtxO14WjivAg-zqNV2BTQN-0N_hkgTd-aEFOTLI88JBLjd7xDUrxRHUCKXs_EWjGsJOWR1eBHircvas9ruov36Vy9rZQTxL7O/s640/IMG_9288.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For these nights, Mike and I have been having our own dinners after Emma's gone to bed.  I try to make these dinners a little more special - a little like date night.  I try to have something pretty on the table, but not fussy.  This pewter bowl of apples and a pitcher of honeysuckle (from our backyard!) is my idea of a great centerpiece for a casual dinner. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqHBk26U15HwFyPkRZ71z5dA-UP7NSde6mV7yjikSiBj5ZdmX19pA6FUKjtrEkhNfJDME99d_7iUzMReminLuRrqfb1mt7TCwANJWyuhjG48OYsDGp1y5QMx19PRMig6fNYFF7-e5M4_L/s1600/IMG_9257_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqHBk26U15HwFyPkRZ71z5dA-UP7NSde6mV7yjikSiBj5ZdmX19pA6FUKjtrEkhNfJDME99d_7iUzMReminLuRrqfb1mt7TCwANJWyuhjG48OYsDGp1y5QMx19PRMig6fNYFF7-e5M4_L/s640/IMG_9257_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />If you do some research online for make-ahead meals you'll find a lot of casseroles.  Casseroles are great, but they don't always feel like the most sophisticated thing to make.  I have a dirty little trick. Instead of making the casserole in one baking dish, I divide it up into individual bowls.  For some reason, just putting it into a beautiful single serving bowl and baking it turns it into something special - even entertaining-worthy (think : Lobster Mac 'N Cheese). <br />  <br />This recipe, Rustic Penne & Shrimp Pasta in a Parmesan & Red Pepper Cream Sauce, is one of my new favorites.  It is a great pasta dish for fall. It is hearty and decadent, but couldn't be easier to make.  You can make it completely ahead of time, then reheat just before serving.  It is perfect for a special weeknight dinner or would be great for a dinner party. <br /><br />For an emailed, printable version of this recipe, sign-up <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/118273/join">here</a>.<br />  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPjU4vAUE-8jCjjEBVnHJUSF3XkaIS1_EHzXX6CtDZ1KPACn-6sw44G0AWwvmpxkEfVPz9u4X7jBuNQzDirRtyjYG8n5rKIXf0cRyTa1HGhIIWe3EUggaUr8uY8WQ5P8v8uTdCqdE2kTb/s1600/IMG_9257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPjU4vAUE-8jCjjEBVnHJUSF3XkaIS1_EHzXX6CtDZ1KPACn-6sw44G0AWwvmpxkEfVPz9u4X7jBuNQzDirRtyjYG8n5rKIXf0cRyTa1HGhIIWe3EUggaUr8uY8WQ5P8v8uTdCqdE2kTb/s400/IMG_9257.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><h2><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Rustic Penne & Shrimp Pasta in a Parmesan & Red Pepper Cream Sauce</i></span></h2><i>an entertaining worthy make-ahead meal</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>New! <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/118273/join"><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">Printable Recipes</span>, here.</a></i><br /><i><br /></i><a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F09%2Fmake-ahead-meal-rustic-penne-shrimp.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-xD-sKyMXHIg%2FUFkmootjONI%2FAAAAAAAAMaM%2F36Avjfj-Q-A%2Fs640%2FIMG_9232.JPG&description=Make%20Ahead%20Rustic%20Penne%20%26%20Shrimp%20Pasta%20with%20a%20Red%20Pepper%20Cream%20Sauce"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br />1 pound of penne pasta<br />2 tablespoons of sea salt<br />1/4 pound of pancetta, thickly sliced & diced into cubes<br />2 tablespoons of olive oil<br />1 pound of shrimp, peeled<br />6 cloves of garlic<br />1 teaspoon of rosemary<br />1/4 cup of roasted red peppers, sliced<br />1/4 cup of white wine<br />2 cups of cream<br />1 cup of parmesan cheese<br />1 teaspoon of cracked pepper<br />parmesan cheese<br />fresh thyme or rosemary<br /><ul> </ul>Add sea salt to a large pot of water and bring to a boil. <br />  <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_-Vftrjp6IUKo5pqoaYpj9Hck3zqNHVso0SMWP_ZVWxF3k9kGxyLI_hqZZyWV-g0JMCV4-9HVEklIZxz0wiRHgepZCWa0VnpCsIgkKpDMH-xpWdhod3v9PQvA5513Cy_DgOXluUUGyig/s1600/IMG_9214.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_-Vftrjp6IUKo5pqoaYpj9Hck3zqNHVso0SMWP_ZVWxF3k9kGxyLI_hqZZyWV-g0JMCV4-9HVEklIZxz0wiRHgepZCWa0VnpCsIgkKpDMH-xpWdhod3v9PQvA5513Cy_DgOXluUUGyig/s640/IMG_9214.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Meanwhile, in a large saute pan, brown the pancetta.<br />Cook for 4-5 minutes on medium high until brown, then add olive oil and shrimp.  Cook for 1 minute, then add garlic.  Turn down heat to a low simmer.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSbWVUDY9k4ind67xcR3pltyMX93aP8N4LE3zYcd4TKDpyO7E_R1GaaEI2rlCVu0XftccV6ZF2uIlFEgAmdFoyAq0Y3PZ0yzxEs3v3scN05YG46nfzlj-_RvO3kErX75IKJHuJlJoXb4j/s1600/IMG_9217.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSbWVUDY9k4ind67xcR3pltyMX93aP8N4LE3zYcd4TKDpyO7E_R1GaaEI2rlCVu0XftccV6ZF2uIlFEgAmdFoyAq0Y3PZ0yzxEs3v3scN05YG46nfzlj-_RvO3kErX75IKJHuJlJoXb4j/s640/IMG_9217.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Deglaze the pan by pouring in the white wine and stirring to bring off the browning on the pan.  This will add great flavor to the sauce.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDIFs3sU60FCT3bvwbQku8Tr3dbwdkhXk3FPTSTy48qNuG1MeDe_21QOlsHmdNSBnK7aQVWB_lKDc3UoPMeFMVBPi9Iy-87ZUWB6YhoOPi-vDw-9r3cGFGs1MmL07-cJPAm28iGIbUwLS/s1600/IMG_9220.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDIFs3sU60FCT3bvwbQku8Tr3dbwdkhXk3FPTSTy48qNuG1MeDe_21QOlsHmdNSBnK7aQVWB_lKDc3UoPMeFMVBPi9Iy-87ZUWB6YhoOPi-vDw-9r3cGFGs1MmL07-cJPAm28iGIbUwLS/s640/IMG_9220.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Add cream, red peppers and rosemary.  Simmer on medium low until the cream thickens slightly, about 5-6 minutes.  At this point, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until just al dente - undercooking just slightly it so when it continues to cook in the sauce and then bakes it will not be too done.  After sauce has simmered, remove it from the heat and add parmesan cheese.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrSxxmwUeMTI1VyrHXMrWTLyZ4TUSI7MKs5WP32EC5V6kYX-m8pCTxStk-mHjRSpL2Fqj1NmLWBI-b_kgG80sMROaFfgYPkDGLzR4A4KOOJmkMCFBHI5nZL2Ov-o6wyylPHNFk-nIeh9v/s1600/IMG_9221.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrSxxmwUeMTI1VyrHXMrWTLyZ4TUSI7MKs5WP32EC5V6kYX-m8pCTxStk-mHjRSpL2Fqj1NmLWBI-b_kgG80sMROaFfgYPkDGLzR4A4KOOJmkMCFBHI5nZL2Ov-o6wyylPHNFk-nIeh9v/s640/IMG_9221.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />When pasta is done, strain it from the water and add it to the pan without rinsing.  Toss together with the sauce and season with pepper.  Cook on a low simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to help the pasta thicken the cream and absorb the flavor.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jwsrBDOyvXLcZHBNbj3AofStjZwRanQj1tmcB_FgZ-3_6xldt2oPJyAqre7p5UTzt1QnTC6oK_K-09vVCi3pKSd32hHrnuwCtrU23maFUU0Cr_Zl02l3_0a6L0B-ijbfMsrKySXpPBDX/s1600/IMG_9222.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jwsrBDOyvXLcZHBNbj3AofStjZwRanQj1tmcB_FgZ-3_6xldt2oPJyAqre7p5UTzt1QnTC6oK_K-09vVCi3pKSd32hHrnuwCtrU23maFUU0Cr_Zl02l3_0a6L0B-ijbfMsrKySXpPBDX/s640/IMG_9222.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Ladle into individual oven-safe bowls.  Top with parmesan cheese.  Cool, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate, if making ahead of time.<br />  <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKe3Eg3VFObxnS2ugWZ8nTebvmB9p1mMozaPOBtxVyA1djfpjsJcOkeP-J2bi5W6Myci0-Jc4mhvbLsd58XSVxCQLgZRsP06lyJVk9AqTmIn8LvBzjw8pMC-vwmI8YVhjw_fx7CwZVi_qT/s1600/IMG_9234.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKe3Eg3VFObxnS2ugWZ8nTebvmB9p1mMozaPOBtxVyA1djfpjsJcOkeP-J2bi5W6Myci0-Jc4mhvbLsd58XSVxCQLgZRsP06lyJVk9AqTmIn8LvBzjw8pMC-vwmI8YVhjw_fx7CwZVi_qT/s640/IMG_9234.jpg" width="426" /></a>If you're ready to serve it immediately, place the bowls on a baking sheet and place them in the oven under the broiler on high for 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted.   Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme.<br /><br />If you've made it ahead of time, remove plastic wrap, place the bowls on a baking sheet and place them in the oven and bake at 400 for 20-30 minutes until bubbling.  To brown the top, turn on the broiler on high for 1-2 minutes until the cheese has browned.   Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme.<br /><br />For an emailed, printable version of this recipe, sign-up <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/118273/join">here</a>.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F09%2Fmake-ahead-meal-rustic-penne-shrimp.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-xD-sKyMXHIg%2FUFkmootjONI%2FAAAAAAAAMaM%2F36Avjfj-Q-A%2Fs640%2FIMG_9232.JPG&description=Make%20Ahead%20Rustic%20Penne%20%26%20Shrimp%20Pasta%20with%20a%20Red%20Pepper%20Cream%20Sauce"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

Make-Ahead Meal | Rustic Penne Shrimp Pasta in a Parmesan & Red Pepper Cream Sauce

After spending the last year and a half in New England on our little 'life vacation,' and a couple of weeks bouncing between our pa...

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An Ode to Granny | Cream of Morel Mushroom Soup

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8UN86AtLhqA2PEvqd_2xVQghBhD7-FPJjpwENk5stQmpN1GdMD68ijeewTIvr7spV1I1DtnldDzJURfVEAFYBoW49vm9l9j1OkH_SmGMDN3uF5Br9DYzn0rcMcBPrbjpNXOqKep0ttVp/s1600/SCAN0026_3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8UN86AtLhqA2PEvqd_2xVQghBhD7-FPJjpwENk5stQmpN1GdMD68ijeewTIvr7spV1I1DtnldDzJURfVEAFYBoW49vm9l9j1OkH_SmGMDN3uF5Br9DYzn0rcMcBPrbjpNXOqKep0ttVp/s640/SCAN0026_3.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F09%2Fan-ode-to-granny-cream-of-morel.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-cNkyjLpw_ao%2FUFc3da8z-dI%2FAAAAAAAAMWo%2F3uDXpiiJPGM%2Fs640%2FIMG_9319.jpg&description=Cream%20of%20Morel%20Mushroom%20Soup%20%23SpringRecipe"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><br /><br />When I was about ten, I would sometimes spend the night at Granny's on a weekend night, just because.  When I think of Granny's house, I think of going to bed in the "Pink Room" (vs. the blue room, that was for boys...) smelling like Dove soap, putting on one of her silk night gowns and using a silk pillow case.  She always used a silk pillow case because she said it kept her hair looking nice.  When we got up in the morning, she would make <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/01/recipes-homemade-donuts-real-cappuccino.html">homemade biscuit donuts</a> that we drizzled in glaze or roll in cinnamon and sugar.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylrHkRyQepMoZoKjXLOQZGAzdyN4x12KN6ObXWMU-mOaLSp0AuAlbMhcjJX4yuRG23tHZFJZKXZJRJ42_s-2rNm5gUvdkGy3aOBnYDi0lqgo04muzV1FR-hJ2uaV2TwXnkKzkj8rdwB7V/s1600/IMG_8914.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylrHkRyQepMoZoKjXLOQZGAzdyN4x12KN6ObXWMU-mOaLSp0AuAlbMhcjJX4yuRG23tHZFJZKXZJRJ42_s-2rNm5gUvdkGy3aOBnYDi0lqgo04muzV1FR-hJ2uaV2TwXnkKzkj8rdwB7V/s400/IMG_8914.JPG" width="266" /></a>I am not sure why this is the memory that I go back to when I think of her.  Maybe because it is one of those times that it was just the two of us at her house.  Most of my time there was spent with my brother, sister or our cousins - we always had fun at Granny's.  I can hardly ever remember her getting mad, I don't remember many rules.  There were always plenty of cookies in the cookie tins, push-pops in the freezer and boxes of macaroni and cheese in the pantry.  We loved playing dress-up with her trunk that was filled with my Mom's and Aunt's old dresses.  At Christmas time she would let us put up the tree a few weeks before it was necessary (which was very exiting) and decorate it however we liked, so long as her collection of strawberry ornaments were on display.<br /><br />I think my appreciation for the changing seasons stemmed from Granny.  She loved seeing the vibrant leaves of fall, or the first blooming magnolia trees in the spring.  When she drove us around town she would always point out a favorite burning bush that was in full flame on Franklin Street or a cherry tree covered in blossoms... that she couldn't wait to get her hands on when it was full of fruit.   She loved the changing of the seasons.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAL0zBUSvUceC7u9v-j3dtjY-3lYQ8KJ7vr7Fb0fasdzf_VyYj1aNq2Z_aOOgMWFuzHThi-NTYBrq_wJ9a3VZM2s8KQPq2qnnvjpYCl3KfER3yGpa9eKXawwW8rtSZQ9hW0SkJLTz3L1GX/s1600/IMG_9295.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAL0zBUSvUceC7u9v-j3dtjY-3lYQ8KJ7vr7Fb0fasdzf_VyYj1aNq2Z_aOOgMWFuzHThi-NTYBrq_wJ9a3VZM2s8KQPq2qnnvjpYCl3KfER3yGpa9eKXawwW8rtSZQ9hW0SkJLTz3L1GX/s640/IMG_9295.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />As most anyone can tell you, Granny loved no other season more than "Mushroom Season."  For those of us in the know, "Mushroom Season" refers to Morel Mushroom Season.  For a few prime weeks just as Spring begins to slightly warm (usually around April) and after a really good rain, mushroom hunters go in search of the prized Morel that grows wild.  Granny was a Morel fanatic, to say the least.  She had a pair of fabulous cowboy boots and a special stick that she deemed her hunting gear.  Every spring you could be certain that she'd be out checking her secret spots.  She had a keen trained eye for hunting them.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElfRuE7A9MzPooqJ88_SDel8SXamCnNEij3Lu0zsC2E3VTp2-fgPmCbkRfil-48spK4xaCOaMjAaX2bUnfvXUA7GcixEigHAJPzNC8AIvWrotcCfWDHPDMxS82vqbLwjMEVabJvSIip4o/s1600/IMG_9317.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElfRuE7A9MzPooqJ88_SDel8SXamCnNEij3Lu0zsC2E3VTp2-fgPmCbkRfil-48spK4xaCOaMjAaX2bUnfvXUA7GcixEigHAJPzNC8AIvWrotcCfWDHPDMxS82vqbLwjMEVabJvSIip4o/s640/IMG_9317.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />After a long battle, our Granny passed away last week.  Though we are sad she's no longer going to be with us, we are all relieved that she is no longer spending her days in pain.  In honor of Granny, I made this Cream of Morel Soup to share with my family this weekend as we celebrated her life.<br /><br />Though it is exactly the opposite of "Mushroom Season" right now, but I was able to find dehydrated morels at the Brookside Market.  They were a little pricey, but a little goes a long way in this creamy soup.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0WCs9tjljSpd8KBhB4Oo1H0amWzMAKzuGCCBicLhJPEx4y2ZrSemgo3yl0ktErzeEt5vhVn7DqbRq0L7K2wZe-vP4ZpLmzvzGE-vPXD1UiYZRrHvQLJ4MMCxIwNAgTj0LHIvukYnRGzT/s1600/IMG_9319.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0WCs9tjljSpd8KBhB4Oo1H0amWzMAKzuGCCBicLhJPEx4y2ZrSemgo3yl0ktErzeEt5vhVn7DqbRq0L7K2wZe-vP4ZpLmzvzGE-vPXD1UiYZRrHvQLJ4MMCxIwNAgTj0LHIvukYnRGzT/s640/IMG_9319.jpg" width="425" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;">Cream of Morel Mushroom Soup</span><br /><i>serves 4, 2 cup servings</i><br /><br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F09%2Fan-ode-to-granny-cream-of-morel.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-cNkyjLpw_ao%2FUFc3da8z-dI%2FAAAAAAAAMWo%2F3uDXpiiJPGM%2Fs640%2FIMG_9319.jpg&description=Cream%20of%20Morel%20Mushroom%20Soup%20%23SpringRecipe"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a> <br /><br />1 cup of dehydrated morel mushrooms<br />4 tablespoons of butter<br />1/2 of a small white onions, minced diced<br /><br />2 cups of baby portobello mushrooms, minced<br />1/4 cup of flour <br />6 cups of half and half<br />sea salt<br />cracked pepper<br />1 tablespoon of fresh thyme<br />good olive oil<br /><br /><br />In a small bowl, rehydrate morel mushrooms by soaking them in warm water for 30 minutes. <br /><br /><br />In a sauce pan, cook onion in butter on medium for 4-5 minutes.  Add minced portobellos and cook for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften.<br /><br />Drain morels from water and slice in half lengthwise.  Add them to the portobello and onion, cooking on medium for 1-2 minutes.  Add flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it is hot and bubbly.  Add half-and-half.  Stir until smooth.  Bring to a simmer.  Add fresh thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste.<br /><br />Serve drizzled with really good olive oil.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcdRJuE3Jx8Z7rOWIleI4EZD7401-d8x4HqCXfeB9rFgOD2X8Oh6M8VZrx8JDjQzv6dZ2ysF_EEC3LwJfJy8mPZ1U4BKaMblanm5ejLM5xSWnLYrEcQBEuNL40UfKUj4aljlTi_aeNeIv/s1600/IMG_9323.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcdRJuE3Jx8Z7rOWIleI4EZD7401-d8x4HqCXfeB9rFgOD2X8Oh6M8VZrx8JDjQzv6dZ2ysF_EEC3LwJfJy8mPZ1U4BKaMblanm5ejLM5xSWnLYrEcQBEuNL40UfKUj4aljlTi_aeNeIv/s640/IMG_9323.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Another thing Granny was known for... she would say, "You know me, I love anything lemon."  <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4tr5uL2k8deYJEqPLP-fFPBywQ8ErctX4m5Bo9Zz8wvlIcl9Bz26uzwhs4lalkuiwUajTu70JX2dHvbPJjteBAOieqYSE0KVwsW3ZTourus88fI7dP5djmksex1CAGvAwxcQdING13P3/s1600/IMG_8921.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4tr5uL2k8deYJEqPLP-fFPBywQ8ErctX4m5Bo9Zz8wvlIcl9Bz26uzwhs4lalkuiwUajTu70JX2dHvbPJjteBAOieqYSE0KVwsW3ZTourus88fI7dP5djmksex1CAGvAwxcQdING13P3/s640/IMG_8921.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />In her recipe box, I found about 10 different recipes for lemon desserts.  And Dump Cake - one of her old favorites, for sure.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSwBUEvUV-RSieHKm9-7csoaS1_AC0mKJng9WL35MricMq4moMLQZE3wcltIA-QLi6yOBLvXJeKZxgskWChGltKIVAIiVychmRo64efWoy9un7f7PXCZBEp7vzYxcd94ShYhCYmXzI1sM/s1600/IMG_8971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSwBUEvUV-RSieHKm9-7csoaS1_AC0mKJng9WL35MricMq4moMLQZE3wcltIA-QLi6yOBLvXJeKZxgskWChGltKIVAIiVychmRo64efWoy9un7f7PXCZBEp7vzYxcd94ShYhCYmXzI1sM/s640/IMG_8971.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_G1i8sNEMkbx4fGaOsGsvAKNiLQEyMCbOrQue3e22wKdHG-RmXwPwV35PGTkVGRyhGXVlvTBdpI2g_9cL3T-QWe5MTE07HWeiCXXKNMX5dyhYgAl9n35gM006M2Ck3f03HlMZN6VU-dM/s1600/IMG_8973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_G1i8sNEMkbx4fGaOsGsvAKNiLQEyMCbOrQue3e22wKdHG-RmXwPwV35PGTkVGRyhGXVlvTBdpI2g_9cL3T-QWe5MTE07HWeiCXXKNMX5dyhYgAl9n35gM006M2Ck3f03HlMZN6VU-dM/s640/IMG_8973.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

An Ode to Granny | Cream of Morel Mushroom Soup

When I was about ten, I would sometimes spend the night at Granny's on a weekend night, just because.  When I think of Granny's hous...

Read more »