Minimalist Kitchen Idea

Progressive Dinner Party Prep | Steak Frites with Truffle Fries & Carbernet Thyme Mushrooms

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0LG8MlkR1iOPG9z3_Bq_HeCBJ4WYOGmbRrqXG2H1YCqN7QWU6v2Lt67XY7LCmGg7OAIC36hUx2mQUsaj1bshAb6qrENsFw-3siSviCTYFp5Bcd3S7vXkCEQ1zeje3vFwR3obcmKj7UcH/s1600/IMG_6610.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0LG8MlkR1iOPG9z3_Bq_HeCBJ4WYOGmbRrqXG2H1YCqN7QWU6v2Lt67XY7LCmGg7OAIC36hUx2mQUsaj1bshAb6qrENsFw-3siSviCTYFp5Bcd3S7vXkCEQ1zeje3vFwR3obcmKj7UcH/s1600/IMG_6610.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1MxNdDEJ75U4zG2dxede2nlASS0DRcnWEkC-OcKzbK0BY7uMgk2-hdc6RKM7CbPPdTb46_9V_NBm2UlglzToeXZIwmkuhTTZiSm-1cUy0cETufxQVHqHn-SYyaBjV8E_ihE9bByZlrxK/s1600/IMG_6522.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/AVvXsEhL1MxNdDEJ75U4zG2dxede2nlASS0DRcnWEkC-OcKzbK0BY7uMgk2-hdc6RKM7CbPPdTb46_9V_NBm2UlglzToeXZIwmkuhTTZiSm-1cUy0cETufxQVHqHn-SYyaBjV8E_ihE9bByZlrxK/s1600/IMG_6522.jpg" width="425" /></a> Our entertaining style has definitely evolved a little bit since we've had Emma.  Before she was born we hosted our friends all of the time to long, lingering dinners around the table with multiple bottles of wine - it was our favorite way to spend the weekend.<br /><br />From the time she was 6 months until she was about a year and a half, we would invite friends over at 7 for drinks, put Emma to bed at 8 and served dinner at 8:15.  It worked perfectly when her bedtime routine was being rocked for 10 minutes and she fell asleep, done.<br /><br />Nowadays, her bedtime routine looks more like : playing dress-up for 20 minutes, dancing for 20 minutes, running around for 20 minutes, then reading books for a half hour... it is drawn-out to say the least.  We love the routine during the week, because it is a fun, no TV just fun and silly time for us to spend with her.  However... it makes it hard to have a post-bedtime adult-only dinner while they're waiting on you to put her down. <br /><br />So, entertaining at our house has become more family friendly - which we love, but sometimes I get the itch to have one of those lovely, long and lingering candlelight and multiple bottles of wine dinners like the old days.<br /><br />I planned the weekend as a little treat for everyone, Emma got to stay the night at her Mimi  & Papi's house, and I planned a fun progressive dinner party with  some of our friends.  We went to one of the neighbors for Cocktail Hour,  here for dinner, then to the last couple's for dessert.  It was such a great time and the food and drinks was fabulous at every house. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFu-tkRQhlv0UP0zsn9Fr1WJKCqhGt5X7ksEhJfNeKD-gdpHd-hZBxNbkF772VsZtrw1GN6gVfr50jKo_iDKX5GGYL6u-vFRI4EJhWbc5NITBzkQ5RyvtSGKbfWHtRKsEpxWD2EZQ78eL2/s1600/IMG_6524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFu-tkRQhlv0UP0zsn9Fr1WJKCqhGt5X7ksEhJfNeKD-gdpHd-hZBxNbkF772VsZtrw1GN6gVfr50jKo_iDKX5GGYL6u-vFRI4EJhWbc5NITBzkQ5RyvtSGKbfWHtRKsEpxWD2EZQ78eL2/s1600/IMG_6524.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Earlier in the day I made out my to-do list and schedule for the party as I always do - an old habit from catering days.  Getting a timeline down on paper really helps me be on autopilot, otherwise, I'll just keep thinking about what happens when and it will drive me crazy.   <br /><br />This was the simplest menu I think I've ever prepared.  The prep work literally took me 30 minutes... which gave me a little more time to spend on the table. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswbkZBzZyzbv9Klg8UQMmiB7cJnBOM_zgWdzT6gxNuYUUK4t1_1NEIII8gkhRdc9JllZQ-evybox8qTIVJjhPBGuccvKZy-Tf_v639LggeIa14vxB7AYcdenY2JXp7b8PJYBe5p8oFYQO/s1600/IMG_6541.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswbkZBzZyzbv9Klg8UQMmiB7cJnBOM_zgWdzT6gxNuYUUK4t1_1NEIII8gkhRdc9JllZQ-evybox8qTIVJjhPBGuccvKZy-Tf_v639LggeIa14vxB7AYcdenY2JXp7b8PJYBe5p8oFYQO/s1600/IMG_6541.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Last week was a beautiful week with a tiny glimpse of spring for a couple of days... and now it is going to snow again this week.  For the dinner party, I wanted it to feel like spring so used purple hyacinth and daffodils "arranged" in drinking glasses.  I like to keep the flowers really simple and casual for friendly dinner parties, otherwise it can feel a little too fussy for my style.  But, I do like the table to feel full and festive, so I always make sure I have plenty of candles and usually multiple small bunches of flowers.  I like it to look fresh and pretty, but not too sparse - hosting friends should be about sharing bounty and abundance.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqF2wIUWRyYDXKMHXTgNlX5wCatR_ODBqJK2w_pMKzVj99-p6X17ecTwFXL_hxq2tO7aZjUEO0RkQy6zWuXzugzhMoDNzV2vbCleUAo6CgmQoPiw3z2zQNd7yuAjuzDNfdluvS4gHOOREY/s1600/IMG_6531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqF2wIUWRyYDXKMHXTgNlX5wCatR_ODBqJK2w_pMKzVj99-p6X17ecTwFXL_hxq2tO7aZjUEO0RkQy6zWuXzugzhMoDNzV2vbCleUAo6CgmQoPiw3z2zQNd7yuAjuzDNfdluvS4gHOOREY/s1600/IMG_6531.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYloq4I2CkhoSHLyDE9ys8clbxPcwG-qCvduUlb_qiP8IutXYUV6Y1NgvItNRPeysHy-ZgLe5cQc-MSrrr5Q26TjSjeYO08eZnomlfyHk5zCkMQgiWx6x1Vgk7iFCG3XECAi0WoyNBxRRu/s1600/IMG_6557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYloq4I2CkhoSHLyDE9ys8clbxPcwG-qCvduUlb_qiP8IutXYUV6Y1NgvItNRPeysHy-ZgLe5cQc-MSrrr5Q26TjSjeYO08eZnomlfyHk5zCkMQgiWx6x1Vgk7iFCG3XECAi0WoyNBxRRu/s1600/IMG_6557.jpg" width="426" /></a>For the candles, I used my new favorite Thin Taper candles.  This is a tip I "borrowed" from <a href="http://eddieross.com/">Eddie Ross</a> a couple of years ago when he led me on a tour of the Creative Candle factory (the same candles I now carry in the store).  <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />He said he often uses an array of glass containers down a table with  candles set in sea salt.  I love the idea and use it all of the time -  especially in the summer with pillar candles.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUUBWDNsNFLKfu4bcRzMxXsBjz3OJBeGemVSObHoZAmC42AQJWVeWxCGzy89CzvuWmsOX3LT2QofJx9o3EGQbK_JdI3b9-FcviMbj5D7c6UEjLHwaORCxDCM8BII4kZuncQaXo932e4Yq/s1600/IMG_6568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUUBWDNsNFLKfu4bcRzMxXsBjz3OJBeGemVSObHoZAmC42AQJWVeWxCGzy89CzvuWmsOX3LT2QofJx9o3EGQbK_JdI3b9-FcviMbj5D7c6UEjLHwaORCxDCM8BII4kZuncQaXo932e4Yq/s1600/IMG_6568.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>I used my Anna Wheatherly powder blue gold rimmed plates - I love how they look with the yellow daffodils - and classic white hemstitch linen napkins.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkXHuXQzwnbVSTouu0CcLr2f9fFkU403esV179_UgqAY-ipNelxWEF73w2DVbkV6ai0E-jObwfhOAwUnU3n0hKdsD7bEYF9sOFwQrmff-7i6RGRW0qTIhK8IhuN99JVptLlE5DU8BDl8E/s1600/IMG_6577.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkXHuXQzwnbVSTouu0CcLr2f9fFkU403esV179_UgqAY-ipNelxWEF73w2DVbkV6ai0E-jObwfhOAwUnU3n0hKdsD7bEYF9sOFwQrmff-7i6RGRW0qTIhK8IhuN99JVptLlE5DU8BDl8E/s1600/IMG_6577.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dinner was so simple - and one of my favorite meals yet.  No surprise, Beef Tenderloin was the centerpiece.  It can be a little pricey, but it is just so darn easy and fabulous that it is worth it.  Prep is simple - drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper.  Full recipe <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/12/slow-roasted-beef-tenderloin-holiday.html">here</a>.   I'll share the rest of the full recipes this week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjYWacmZcDyr49imvwkVmO23IV8xZcMGBamDyidC5CBeeMCZfI-DYOUt8JsPLWq4TZQBIwSeNPPvLoTWuxqZ9-wVn9TMd7jGp1c4n1uDT0lOHFUKy7bMzFjnvpD8GbbxOLGGl61vpEyFG/s1600/IMG_6574.JPG" width="640" /></div><br />We've really been into roasting these "colorful" carrots lately.  Simple, fresh and beautiful to serve.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQs1APKFETNK4XqyTBCcPDzoZ2uIqTxEny83kUgk7_qRDmfh0ZchBW0VyVM52DG_AjHQ5WZY6ia4bOzuF7CNYhW496IL3T17l23y3M_g1VRdSRLd-XOAXLhSIiNVSC_sBsvuBgxxFSOr8/s1600/IMG_6521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQs1APKFETNK4XqyTBCcPDzoZ2uIqTxEny83kUgk7_qRDmfh0ZchBW0VyVM52DG_AjHQ5WZY6ia4bOzuF7CNYhW496IL3T17l23y3M_g1VRdSRLd-XOAXLhSIiNVSC_sBsvuBgxxFSOr8/s1600/IMG_6521.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I cooked mushrooms all day in garlic, red wine and thyme... so, so good.  I served them piled up next to the beef on the platter, and the sauce on the side.  This was my first time slow cooking them - and I can't wait to make them again.  Well, actually, I already did last night for dinner.   So good.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfd3hqd4wSOzeWPxN1BM3DaN-22CQZsoW5erRoQXk2-s4pK-GUqHGKq12knYzY6WCp83vr1uSfRaXbx0JCLN1OI-dI4Zww1eOlkRqxAMhhBzIQKAG4bkFe1UzCOAzjEg9Xnr9A3_Gx6ha/s1600/IMG_6588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfd3hqd4wSOzeWPxN1BM3DaN-22CQZsoW5erRoQXk2-s4pK-GUqHGKq12knYzY6WCp83vr1uSfRaXbx0JCLN1OI-dI4Zww1eOlkRqxAMhhBzIQKAG4bkFe1UzCOAzjEg9Xnr9A3_Gx6ha/s1600/IMG_6588.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another new favorite, well, an old favorite, but the first time I've made them at home.  The big secret is that I used frozen french fries, then dressed them up with truffle oil, parmesan and thyme.  Completely amazing.  I'll also be making these again very, very soon.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEx0LN8C0Y0SwSO-E6n2xbgM_r8HhyCzC09Uxh0n52in7yWoDsJNPjMCcKMxli2V3_fu46LVkZTDv6ajSkfDFjC9gwbAzW9i_c4jTYnS7mTvPyLEs4kmdEN5lE4u854hb4FkhbCgwswxmY/s1600/IMG_6598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEx0LN8C0Y0SwSO-E6n2xbgM_r8HhyCzC09Uxh0n52in7yWoDsJNPjMCcKMxli2V3_fu46LVkZTDv6ajSkfDFjC9gwbAzW9i_c4jTYnS7mTvPyLEs4kmdEN5lE4u854hb4FkhbCgwswxmY/s1600/IMG_6598.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />As always, when I'm planning a dinner party I like to create a menu that can be made in advance.  For this dinner, everything was made earlier in the day, then popped in the oven during cocktail hour.  Simple.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUs-4fhx-dSNGSJzC3zBtDZHuDymFmt5Gsf90pYgjUZrM7eunT_yFGS49jE9YxytCYaXFyfz0hNDyHna03oUyZZe6yP9NSGeeX9gwRgxny1pCYTW615UVkdVuHJYeUClDLQNKb6ByuR2ht/s1600/IMG_6611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUs-4fhx-dSNGSJzC3zBtDZHuDymFmt5Gsf90pYgjUZrM7eunT_yFGS49jE9YxytCYaXFyfz0hNDyHna03oUyZZe6yP9NSGeeX9gwRgxny1pCYTW615UVkdVuHJYeUClDLQNKb6ByuR2ht/s1600/IMG_6611.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here is the table all set before we headed out for cocktail hour.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQCLrCyEfNdRoJZ92ByJtDowKcTWFtvuA3XxtOf5YjDyWhsI5AyIO-OJneQcR5RurLrpWAQY8EWZCoTqglue9A6ad69p3nKmM-2YZEvo6fsr8VjK-cGfz9LPdrQIzHU8rRWPmEVBJMUH7/s1600/IMG_6616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQCLrCyEfNdRoJZ92ByJtDowKcTWFtvuA3XxtOf5YjDyWhsI5AyIO-OJneQcR5RurLrpWAQY8EWZCoTqglue9A6ad69p3nKmM-2YZEvo6fsr8VjK-cGfz9LPdrQIzHU8rRWPmEVBJMUH7/s1600/IMG_6616.jpg" width="478" /></a><br /><br /><br />Dinner is served.  I snapped this photo just before everyone sat down for dinner.  <br /><br /><br /><br />I love to put everything on one platter - beef down the middle, and mushrooms and carrots piled on the sides.  You can see the truffle fries on the other corner of the table.  I walked the large platter around and served everyone while they passed the fries and sauce - it makes a very friendly and casual serving style and gives me a chance to chat with everyone.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjb-Z_9vpwK8__J_2V_pGzFkT0tza8YT6mEDD-8AhgPpGksMrTluVdAIT_O99MxaSIV9ur9YyhtH-17SDn208ppaZzro2zmbCrjwWAb4Ur3Wz0OcJanGi-tHe0skx-9j2bPtWUPZUBxyD/s1600/IMG_6615.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjb-Z_9vpwK8__J_2V_pGzFkT0tza8YT6mEDD-8AhgPpGksMrTluVdAIT_O99MxaSIV9ur9YyhtH-17SDn208ppaZzro2zmbCrjwWAb4Ur3Wz0OcJanGi-tHe0skx-9j2bPtWUPZUBxyD/s1600/IMG_6615.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjb-Z_9vpwK8__J_2V_pGzFkT0tza8YT6mEDD-8AhgPpGksMrTluVdAIT_O99MxaSIV9ur9YyhtH-17SDn208ppaZzro2zmbCrjwWAb4Ur3Wz0OcJanGi-tHe0skx-9j2bPtWUPZUBxyD/s1600/IMG_6615.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div><br /><br /><br />I'll be sharing the rest of the recipes this week and hope to get the recipes we enjoyed at the other houses, too - Amy's Goat Cheese & Peppadew Dip and Annie's Mocha Silk Pie were both amazing.  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjb-Z_9vpwK8__J_2V_pGzFkT0tza8YT6mEDD-8AhgPpGksMrTluVdAIT_O99MxaSIV9ur9YyhtH-17SDn208ppaZzro2zmbCrjwWAb4Ur3Wz0OcJanGi-tHe0skx-9j2bPtWUPZUBxyD/s1600/IMG_6615.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>  Hope you are off to a great week.<br /><br /><br />

Progressive Dinner Party Prep | Steak Frites with Truffle Fries & Carbernet Thyme Mushrooms

Our entertaining style has definitely evolved a little bit since we've had Emma. Before she was born we hosted our friends all of th...

11:19 AM

Kitchen Chronicles: The counters are in! (+ pendant light and faucet preview)

This is how our faces look right now...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt15gLJ-1tAiJ0skx0mq6_DYscHrV073izxCOTA2lbeS-uo_XpvLKdEFfMJOg64xCJiLgpRombU-r4MfjXJ5MPSPdnCm26Dl6uvf5fUiORcRXG0t_XqI0tmU8Oor4KWFpsfYdv6QYeiSl4/s1600/IMG_1844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt15gLJ-1tAiJ0skx0mq6_DYscHrV073izxCOTA2lbeS-uo_XpvLKdEFfMJOg64xCJiLgpRombU-r4MfjXJ5MPSPdnCm26Dl6uvf5fUiORcRXG0t_XqI0tmU8Oor4KWFpsfYdv6QYeiSl4/s1600/IMG_1844.jpg" /></a></div><br />Yes, we're happy campers because after weeks of anticipation, our counters are in!<br /><br />Before I show the results, a quick breakdown:<br /><br />We purchased them at Lowe's six weeks ago (they didn't measure for them until 3 weeks ago, so the production time was really only 3 weeks).<br /><br />They are both Silestone Quartz. We chose 'Marengo' which is a deep gray for the island, and 'Blanco Maple' which is a speckled white for the sink area, both 2cm with an eased edge. We needed 51 square feet, and the total including installation came to $3254.<br /><br />Why quartz instead of granite or any other type? Well, Brad had strong opinions on this. I mentioned butcher block or concrete, both of which I love the look of, but Brad was not a fan of wood and we both agreed concrete might be too much of a hassle. I also really wanted white against the gray cabinets.<br /><br />There were a couple granite options we liked but the quality ratings and ease of maintenance were a bit better for the quartz, and they weren't that much more expensive so we went for it.<br /><br />Here's the Marengo up close...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ET4T4V_7muBN2wTWdxYxwLeNIajTn_ekp0DzR2FKsF4Ltr2CT5NX8WBxE1NIGJZIAQoJUYEFoskEyezYmmTQ3Z-SLusFFALEof_83tTbHspS7iozBtPQRy5n4VB99OJ_xuH6gj8g3V2A/s1600/IMG_1859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ET4T4V_7muBN2wTWdxYxwLeNIajTn_ekp0DzR2FKsF4Ltr2CT5NX8WBxE1NIGJZIAQoJUYEFoskEyezYmmTQ3Z-SLusFFALEof_83tTbHspS7iozBtPQRy5n4VB99OJ_xuH6gj8g3V2A/s1600/IMG_1859.jpg" /></a></div><br />It reminds me quite a bit of concrete, but it has the durability of quartz which is great.<br /><br />Here's the Blanco Maple:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpRaQTYzzvCB-XjqjMr1llhrBUE07LUjbJ9fr8SDGALYo4fbECpQaCz7Gij9GUpMnPi2_YwEAnjaUd8pRgwW-NTgDlTmS1Dwd2Hv5TdVD_Yz7Pmf_m9bjRFSFRlYPZOc8D9JlmJGCLBLt/s1600/IMG_1862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpRaQTYzzvCB-XjqjMr1llhrBUE07LUjbJ9fr8SDGALYo4fbECpQaCz7Gij9GUpMnPi2_YwEAnjaUd8pRgwW-NTgDlTmS1Dwd2Hv5TdVD_Yz7Pmf_m9bjRFSFRlYPZOc8D9JlmJGCLBLt/s1600/IMG_1862.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />This one is my favorite. I love all the little flecks.<br /><br />Back to the island... <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUcUy9jhyphenhyphenNZqkTSMXMJM915dmIiC3m46-g52woqPkHRD5ya1nauOAg7NmtSTSGcwaTAOHIho6ZtIJ_hXno4K-ohoxzp3Us2sF5mnEqLh5elv6wQ7lb_lHu9YXMto48TZZwifz-zd81jF3/s1600/IMG_1858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUcUy9jhyphenhyphenNZqkTSMXMJM915dmIiC3m46-g52woqPkHRD5ya1nauOAg7NmtSTSGcwaTAOHIho6ZtIJ_hXno4K-ohoxzp3Us2sF5mnEqLh5elv6wQ7lb_lHu9YXMto48TZZwifz-zd81jF3/s1600/IMG_1858.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />With the counters in, we were able to get our new cooktop installed as well!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fB7fdnHentwPIbKEgWD6t-Lr_XBjxfgjIUbYGCmIL5_GGTSyeuDXBjoI4B76ZKwNW59uImUMCSBKa-m7e28oJifpu7RDnMjBA4QMq0nriOTT0ViQ7P_Moym3EmWDjnzZUhBbSJeEYynj/s1600/IMG_1856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fB7fdnHentwPIbKEgWD6t-Lr_XBjxfgjIUbYGCmIL5_GGTSyeuDXBjoI4B76ZKwNW59uImUMCSBKa-m7e28oJifpu7RDnMjBA4QMq0nriOTT0ViQ7P_Moym3EmWDjnzZUhBbSJeEYynj/s1600/IMG_1856.jpg" /></a></div><br />It still needs to be wired up, but I can't wait to start cooking on it (let's just hope it stays clean...)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMRU9cuv1vxRVHs5H4y2idyKz_Y-ke8FCGsJvHriHu8v-0TnoUqPEh29nhZvOTvZy0m41IrXH5krBPKajQgWqjNECI2tQIzDAnySR6g8wYkcRJmzW8bhKl3XqlExT8bgcvTID2SMUeZU4/s1600/IMG_1855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMRU9cuv1vxRVHs5H4y2idyKz_Y-ke8FCGsJvHriHu8v-0TnoUqPEh29nhZvOTvZy0m41IrXH5krBPKajQgWqjNECI2tQIzDAnySR6g8wYkcRJmzW8bhKl3XqlExT8bgcvTID2SMUeZU4/s1600/IMG_1855.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Now we can also set up our faucet. It's a Price Pfister "Cagney", purchased online at <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_199980-330-F-WKP-400B_0__?productId=3878672&Ntt=cagney&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dcagney&facetInfo=">Lowe's.</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALozNVICVgmAryqSVYLyxogxjh80IwSNzW2Yyg73UzP_UNdECohsGq1SKo-9S1Ua44mfvkgardmdnIX2wyJPSiuneyGuFEv5r_jCqNN-Ed1KsNTK6VyZFHDK_SjV2KF72QeLf6pQqur0N/s1600/IMG_1869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALozNVICVgmAryqSVYLyxogxjh80IwSNzW2Yyg73UzP_UNdECohsGq1SKo-9S1Ua44mfvkgardmdnIX2wyJPSiuneyGuFEv5r_jCqNN-Ed1KsNTK6VyZFHDK_SjV2KF72QeLf6pQqur0N/s1600/IMG_1869.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />The plumber should be here to hook everything up in the next couple days. For now I just placed it in to get a visual.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-Jknt6OlooWsSHS2Z_f_9f-8NPkqjpG6DAwGFp6jzBXw6oAxpaAJResyzeItbcJVXmkcZo4Kn1Hhms89sV6D3-4g9nPYIm7NnALHWw4wToSU85fvs-A-LjQYkPuETtG-BOmR4QQ0f5M5/s1600/IMG_1864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-Jknt6OlooWsSHS2Z_f_9f-8NPkqjpG6DAwGFp6jzBXw6oAxpaAJResyzeItbcJVXmkcZo4Kn1Hhms89sV6D3-4g9nPYIm7NnALHWw4wToSU85fvs-A-LjQYkPuETtG-BOmR4QQ0f5M5/s1600/IMG_1864.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And one more thing we tackled last night—our <a href="http://www.lamps.com/feiss-p1252dbz-dark-bronze-urban-renewal-mini-pendant.html">sink pendant light:</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcPykE04HClG6OHX2TD0MNIQEvIK3URv8HNCzAWTcRppS9GF_xxPFJuLxCD5lNA7OiG_gYXjUqxYgNYpjGhouY4h_e8FlqFTCoW0IThgobnhJgMume4CDuVLGHmwVGL34ueun4VqYCrlf/s1600/IMG_1845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcPykE04HClG6OHX2TD0MNIQEvIK3URv8HNCzAWTcRppS9GF_xxPFJuLxCD5lNA7OiG_gYXjUqxYgNYpjGhouY4h_e8FlqFTCoW0IThgobnhJgMume4CDuVLGHmwVGL34ueun4VqYCrlf/s1600/IMG_1845.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />We ran into an issue though—when we installed the electrical box, there was a stud right above the  center of the sink, so we had to either push it back or move it forward. I was concerned about it being too close to the window, so we moved it forward.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsAnvPG1FMdhkb-O1mZbQT5aAsvhP1kwUai075qeKfupJMpvk7tI2AYIgpSipAz7t0EDmmdpWozxDCyg05-oYoRAmoX0cS9qvyNef9lO9XA97sn60eKrvrZbw2mxcMgiqT1DE2SllM2e4/s1600/IMG_1846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsAnvPG1FMdhkb-O1mZbQT5aAsvhP1kwUai075qeKfupJMpvk7tI2AYIgpSipAz7t0EDmmdpWozxDCyg05-oYoRAmoX0cS9qvyNef9lO9XA97sn60eKrvrZbw2mxcMgiqT1DE2SllM2e4/s1600/IMG_1846.jpg" /></a></div><br />But if anyone over 6' tall wanted to use the sink, they'd bump their head if they leaned forward. Not ideal.<br /><br />Luckily, the light came with different sized rods, so we just used a shorter one...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1NfBhGOfvUs2gyHh6gGD6GbLbFj_CRsBiIyTYWGUCKyrPOqgrfH0_2V1CPcLawSXteskRsAL2v5m_y0__uZ7RSbjH9Lp9GN4rZj7n84KRjdjtsh-qsk5F26NnxXXMhT7au5tCcoeZFBE/s1600/IMG_1868.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1NfBhGOfvUs2gyHh6gGD6GbLbFj_CRsBiIyTYWGUCKyrPOqgrfH0_2V1CPcLawSXteskRsAL2v5m_y0__uZ7RSbjH9Lp9GN4rZj7n84KRjdjtsh-qsk5F26NnxXXMhT7au5tCcoeZFBE/s1600/IMG_1868.jpg" /></a> <br /><br /><br />Much better!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAA-gDiDuAdhQfK5HljzYf3Sjdeae0XH6tsBqlCjFN5D5NELy_3sm_hMemGTvu_l3lfD6pv18XKd9MTYlQiKUZRJ3iKRCbAPQeY3qR-HQR9BaqfeEU9WBLAWvspY3bbIGl5PFkpC6ttFj/s1600/IMG_1867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAA-gDiDuAdhQfK5HljzYf3Sjdeae0XH6tsBqlCjFN5D5NELy_3sm_hMemGTvu_l3lfD6pv18XKd9MTYlQiKUZRJ3iKRCbAPQeY3qR-HQR9BaqfeEU9WBLAWvspY3bbIGl5PFkpC6ttFj/s1600/IMG_1867.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I plan to replace it with a more suitable bulb... something vintage like this would be amazing:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/49/24/48/492448aa6b9e248000cb10dda3d11671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/49/24/48/492448aa6b9e248000cb10dda3d11671.jpg" width="327" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/83782214/upcycled-industrial-edison-bulb-cage"><i>Source</i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> I'm loving the industrial touch it adds to the space. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZquLAJHCNlRboqmNDoc-IBMpPD_Ch7C3jxY3byDzG2Hn3Qln8Erx089m0JURptRLyMGo1y_YMTTlpEgb4rx3hvzDAYdaDh9C1YzJa4dHfgrzDsKu5OrafQ3xYecZnnS2usYoehqXNtRuC/s1600/IMG_1865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZquLAJHCNlRboqmNDoc-IBMpPD_Ch7C3jxY3byDzG2Hn3Qln8Erx089m0JURptRLyMGo1y_YMTTlpEgb4rx3hvzDAYdaDh9C1YzJa4dHfgrzDsKu5OrafQ3xYecZnnS2usYoehqXNtRuC/s1600/IMG_1865.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>One last photo...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBGCDYRLxHaRz7OOh9KP3UffG02-K0Ci91mykwPqiwhO6DLmK6nd1AJzVedmLW2ToKvg4KEl8PycRnA3PEiE83xWg_PWlG_lOB6oD5jmG_CK33nRW2_-Fs3fgwZc8-WLRqDNNbD3_RG8e/s1600/IMG_1870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBGCDYRLxHaRz7OOh9KP3UffG02-K0Ci91mykwPqiwhO6DLmK6nd1AJzVedmLW2ToKvg4KEl8PycRnA3PEiE83xWg_PWlG_lOB6oD5jmG_CK33nRW2_-Fs3fgwZc8-WLRqDNNbD3_RG8e/s1600/IMG_1870.jpg" /></a></div><br />Next up for the kitchen is to get the dishwasher/garbage disposal/faucet and cooktop functional so we can finally cook and clean instead of going to my parents house for every meal (as much as they love having us over 24/7).<br /><br />We're going backsplash shopping on Saturday, and our Ikea delivery is scheduled for next week, so that's when the <i>real </i>fun begins...<br /><br />But before any of that, we have another plank wall to install...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJvx12ikWa4SKmcMwQDZqiv7zsWJ1zfRHdqfyL2rmfsWXLtIdN6o9a4mjCeRjhOGfzpK4VUfabUSz3hyBilGbLgzx2Rm2OfEd7GR8WQU3ThNjgEiu48QlXAGdAyTksFZ1GxbQjCvjgqBI/s1600/IMG_1841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJvx12ikWa4SKmcMwQDZqiv7zsWJ1zfRHdqfyL2rmfsWXLtIdN6o9a4mjCeRjhOGfzpK4VUfabUSz3hyBilGbLgzx2Rm2OfEd7GR8WQU3ThNjgEiu48QlXAGdAyTksFZ1GxbQjCvjgqBI/s1600/IMG_1841.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />This one should be our biggest challenge yet. Hopefully I'll have results to share on Monday. Better get to work!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZacC7tIn3D42QdevPGKzPifT0k0OP5NupUrWBrlxisHS8yESOkB1cLrGDlbvQSulQxJQUZ2d_eWPXZvG7Y83xdGZlxwVyUi3REaEptsUAnbY4YekEKCHJagn9lXyEybYcAe4LQiNNQWcy/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZacC7tIn3D42QdevPGKzPifT0k0OP5NupUrWBrlxisHS8yESOkB1cLrGDlbvQSulQxJQUZ2d_eWPXZvG7Y83xdGZlxwVyUi3REaEptsUAnbY4YekEKCHJagn9lXyEybYcAe4LQiNNQWcy/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><br />

Kitchen Chronicles: The counters are in! (+ pendant light and faucet preview)

This is how our faces look right now... Yes, we're happy campers because after weeks of anticipation, our counters are in! Before I show...

2:33 PM

Blueberry & Vanilla Bean Pancakes

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAT0E_xxybpl_gQXAC-D9_EeuPBq_dBGbNxiv1z-K6SQ7aGqNLI_a1iVLhDDDcXc7MG5iJlMt7XUBedA6wOdcO_MNjMpg5H0Ilc4cFbBI_-U7lR00ImcGxgurJC1eIR10e0v0MjEW2riq/s1600/blueberry-pancakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAT0E_xxybpl_gQXAC-D9_EeuPBq_dBGbNxiv1z-K6SQ7aGqNLI_a1iVLhDDDcXc7MG5iJlMt7XUBedA6wOdcO_MNjMpg5H0Ilc4cFbBI_-U7lR00ImcGxgurJC1eIR10e0v0MjEW2riq/s1600/blueberry-pancakes.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>O</i></span>ur February Saturday mornings have been very cozy around here.  Usually, I get up early and get to go to the grocery store all by myself : )  Little luxurious.  Strangely enough, I always buy/spend way more when I'm alone - probably because I'm a more ambitious cook when I'm shopping in a non-hectic, chasing after Emma fashion.  On this Saturday morning, (in addition to quite a few of other things) I came home with Blood Oranges, Blueberries and Tulips to inspire a big breakfast.<br /><br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F02%2Fblueberry-vanilla-bean-pancakes.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-oEonh8vcR3w%2FUwZNnNSh26I%2FAAAAAAAAVzI%2FSgss-wf1sGg%2Fs1600%2Fblueberry-pancakes.jpg&description=Our%20Favorite%20Blueberry%20%26%20Vanilla%20Bean%20Pancakes"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br />Our Saturday morning breakfasts usually consist of scones, pancakes or cinnamon rolls, bacon or sausage, herb scrambled eggs and fruit.  Much to Mike and Emma's delight, I've recently been experimenting with different pancake recipes.  I started with two favorites - Barefoot Contessa Sour Cream Banana Pancakes + Pioneer Woman Perfect Pancakes.  After tinkering with the proportions of each, and adding our own favorite flavors (blueberries & my coveted <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/vanilla-bean-paste">vanilla bean paste</a>), I came up with our new go-to recipe.  One of the tricks (brought to my attention by my sister) is to cook them in half oil and half butter.  You get the brown crisp from the oil and the lovely buttery flavor.<br /><br /><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="710" scrolling="no" src="//instagram.com/p/kKYHTrDfiL/embed/" width="612"></iframe><br /><br />If you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/jennysteffenshobick#">Instagram</a>, you've already seen the above a sneak peek from the morning of.  By the way, Instagram is the easiest way to get in touch with me if you have any questions or comments about a recipe.  I find that I am actually pretty quick with responses on there because they come right to my phone and I don't have to login to the blog, as I do when responding to comments below.  Just an FYI if you need to ask me a question in a hurry.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJ72EXKvLQyHHmzynZ_lRJOhFHUgDbpJz0yyGcdHftXYFuLuvjH6h7qybneSmIWikkZkuw1V2N-KZJ6x8s6WteBeDR6Nj4o3qWtgxqcC7_ZIhhl5jBi1qZP7KwwHWuddVPzsEoSLE55Xp/s1600/IMG_6425.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/AVvXsEhoJ72EXKvLQyHHmzynZ_lRJOhFHUgDbpJz0yyGcdHftXYFuLuvjH6h7qybneSmIWikkZkuw1V2N-KZJ6x8s6WteBeDR6Nj4o3qWtgxqcC7_ZIhhl5jBi1qZP7KwwHWuddVPzsEoSLE55Xp/s1600/IMG_6425.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>You'll also see a lot of Emma on my Insta : )<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhniUaR1xIJPpixUf9TlZfLfsGYJI5bltKJ1cREPpoKuVWF_2ZYO86BTEnXgIklyWdh86muwl77_PWf6baCexcdSRFx_Uq-5E15NF-ZZHUm2LVBfpQ1-MRoU3UwJBmv1ApIeeanRmOhhE8/s1600/IMG_6419.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/AVvXsEhhniUaR1xIJPpixUf9TlZfLfsGYJI5bltKJ1cREPpoKuVWF_2ZYO86BTEnXgIklyWdh86muwl77_PWf6baCexcdSRFx_Uq-5E15NF-ZZHUm2LVBfpQ1-MRoU3UwJBmv1ApIeeanRmOhhE8/s1600/IMG_6419.jpg" width="426" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div>Emma's doing her part and setting the table with <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2014/01/flower-arranging-for-toddlers.html">her flower arranging</a>... her favorite craft of the moment.  I must tell you that we discovered the tulips were a little bit more challenging than the spray roses.  The stems were a little too tempting to snap in half... making a couple of very tiny tulips that had to spend the rest of the week in a mini latte bowl sitting in water.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Our Favorite</div><div><i><span style="font-size: large;">Blueberry & Vanilla Bean Pancakes</span></i></div><div><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F02%2Fblueberry-vanilla-bean-pancakes.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-oEonh8vcR3w%2FUwZNnNSh26I%2FAAAAAAAAVzI%2FSgss-wf1sGg%2Fs1600%2Fblueberry-pancakes.jpg&description=Our%20Favorite%20Blueberry%20%26%20Vanilla%20Bean%20Pancakes"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><div><br />2 cups flour</div><div>3 tablespoons sugar<br />1 tablespoon baking powder<br />1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt<br />1/3 cup sour cream<br />1 1/2 cups of milk<br />2 extra-large eggs<br />2 teaspoons <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/vanilla-bean-paste">Vanilla Bean Paste</a></div><div>1-2 cups of fresh blueberries (depending on how many you like)</div><div><br />2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil</div><div>2 Tablespoons Butter</div><div><br />Softened Butter<br />Real Maple Syrup</div><div></div><div>Preheat oven to 300 degrees. </div><div></div><div>Begin by mixing together dry ingredients.  Separately, whisk together milk, sour cream, eggs and vanilla bean paste.  Mix wet and dry ingredients, then fold in blueberries.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyo2qfhBm4ApmIIwguUhCw9jP_nOcgaggUPe2kjbdtvKBgK8GXUXWbxnLRYv0MBgZS0Fc-CuM_GOBJyiJcU3R_WY9_zXAAJXAShbSn7RijwVv4NszNLGQNTz2XTjKr_ZQHcCa7E9yta0Yl/s1600/IMG_6424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyo2qfhBm4ApmIIwguUhCw9jP_nOcgaggUPe2kjbdtvKBgK8GXUXWbxnLRYv0MBgZS0Fc-CuM_GOBJyiJcU3R_WY9_zXAAJXAShbSn7RijwVv4NszNLGQNTz2XTjKr_ZQHcCa7E9yta0Yl/s1600/IMG_6424.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Heat a skillet on medium with oil and butter.  Lower heat just a little  bit and cook pancakes for 3-4 minutes on each side over medium-low heat  until browned.  Keep warm on baking sheet in oven while cooking the rest of the pancakes.<br /><br />Serve with softened butter and warm Real Maple Syrup. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokIvbyM-rdghnxAN6fPSl9dQwzUz4Hws9YEjMeBun2BceO9YcTi_KhhAodlp582zSm9DdDo60FXqOUeiSnJHlPOj0_g63FUvhDqlZPSOXzHj94a66HXKOdT7oQZUD3Zb8RM9fSZpMb98F/s1600/IMG_6427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokIvbyM-rdghnxAN6fPSl9dQwzUz4Hws9YEjMeBun2BceO9YcTi_KhhAodlp582zSm9DdDo60FXqOUeiSnJHlPOj0_g63FUvhDqlZPSOXzHj94a66HXKOdT7oQZUD3Zb8RM9fSZpMb98F/s1600/IMG_6427.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gDCTmrPeUCSBPL2Ly1ngwaFRYzmhEcgqIhQ13xLHCATedDqSCTXGpLu3o9Pk5jo_wFr1YI_36lDGBzMKWq4vSXEyRewIcmidsvXqdF-zp3Hg5saX4HbZfZpu17ygqj-obeHspva00aVa/s1600/IMG_6428.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/AVvXsEj0gDCTmrPeUCSBPL2Ly1ngwaFRYzmhEcgqIhQ13xLHCATedDqSCTXGpLu3o9Pk5jo_wFr1YI_36lDGBzMKWq4vSXEyRewIcmidsvXqdF-zp3Hg5saX4HbZfZpu17ygqj-obeHspva00aVa/s1600/IMG_6428.jpg" width="266" /></a>Emma's tulip arrangement in my favorite Match Pewter pitcher - a wedding present from my Aunt Lisa.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Emma saying her prayer for us with a sweet little bud vase tulip for her high chair tray.<br /><br /><br /> <a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F02%2Fblueberry-vanilla-bean-pancakes.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-oEonh8vcR3w%2FUwZNnNSh26I%2FAAAAAAAAVzI%2FSgss-wf1sGg%2Fs1600%2Fblueberry-pancakes.jpg&description=Our%20Favorite%20Blueberry%20%26%20Vanilla%20Bean%20Pancakes"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div>

Blueberry & Vanilla Bean Pancakes

O ur February Saturday mornings have been very cozy around here. Usually, I get up early and get to go to the grocery store all by myself :...

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Blueberry & Vanilla Bean Pancakes

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