Friday, November 13, 2009

Recipe: French Vinaigrette

I am pretty sure that this really is a French Vinaigrette as the person who taught me how to make it is from Paris:-)

I make a batch of this dressing and store it in my refridgerator for about a month.  It is divine as a marinade for lightly steamed asparagus.  I blanch the asparagus and then chop it up and put it in the vinaigrette and serve over my favorite mixed greens.  This would be great on steamed broccoli or brussel sprouts as well.  If you like mustard on beef it is great on a beef salad.

1/2 C Olive Oil
3 Tbl Dijon Mustard*
1/2 C Red Wine Vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

*-I highly recommend adjusting this recipe according to your love of Dijon mustard.  If you really love it like I do you may want to put in an additional Tbl or two.  If you like a hint of mustard you may want to start with a Tbl and add more if needed.  This has a fairly strong mustard flavor.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Reminder: 1st Time Boot Camp Tomorrow night Cupertino

Just wanted to remind you that the 1st time home buyer boot camp is tomorrow in Cupertino!


We still have a couple of seats left so please let me know if you would like to come. RSVP via email cdimond@kw.com or call me at (650) 388-8820.

We did a dry run of the presentation last night and I think you will really enjoy the information that Cammie and Alison have to share to make your home buying experience better. They have also created some nice take aways to help you remember what you learned at the boot camp.

So please join personal financial expert Alison Salsibury, buyer expert REALTOR, Carla Dimond and Local Mortgage Consultant, Cammie Brodie for this free boot camp at 20230 Stevens Creek Blvd, Suite E, Cupertino, CA, 95014 from 7 pm to 8:30 pm on November 12th.

Topics will include

1. How to develop and/or improve your credit scores

2. Strategies for saving for a down payment

3. What are your loan options?

4. What does a loan officer need to process my loan?

5. How to spot marketing ploys that will cost you money on your first home?

6. What to expect in making an offer on your first home?



Look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Blog Posts on other Businesses

My son was catching up on my blog the other day and reminded me that bloggers are getting hit hard around "Truth in Adversting" issues. So I thought I should address that in my blog.


Any business that I highlight in my blog is for the purpose of letting others know about a good experience I have had in working with that business. I am not being compensated in any way for my blog posts about other businesses.

In this economy I feel it is good thing to let others know about businesses who have great customer service and put their customers first.

It seems we all have a tendency to share our bad experiences and forget to highlight the good ones. I just want to share with others businesses that I have had a positive experience working with.

However, my experience is not your experience and I am not offering any warranties on your experience with these service providers. However, I would like to hear back from any of you that use one of these services I highlight and do not have a positive experience.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Recipe: Sticky Toffee Pudding

Sticky Toffee Pudding is the only thing I consistently bake every year.  I have made at least one sticky toffee pudding a year for over 25 years.  I find it is perfect for Thanksgiving or the Christmas Holiday season. It is my homage to my ancestors.  When I go to the UK I always try the sticky toffee pudding on the menu.  I have yet to find one that is as good as mine.

Warning:  You will gain weight just by being in the kitchen and smelling this pudding and the sauce.  This is not for diabetics or uncontrollable sugar junkies. 

Sticky Toffee Pudding

2 C flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 C sugar
2 eggs

Combine in a large mixing bowl

1 C boiling water
10 oz chopped dates
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla

Mix together the water, dates, baking soda and vanilla.  Gently fold into the flour mixture and then pour into a lightly buttered baking dish

Preheat oven to 375
cook pudding for 35 to 40 minutes
remove from the oven and put a thin layer of toffee sauce and return to the oven for 10 to 15 minutes more baking.  Check with a toothpick for a clean center 

Toffee Sauce

1 C heavy whipping cream
1 stick unsalted butter
1 C packed dark brown sugar

Cook in a sauce pan over medium heat and stir constantly.  Cook until a soft ball stage.

The really decadent tradional way to serve this pudding is to also have whipped cream on top.  For those of you who can consume 700 plus calories in one seating go for  it!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

First Time Home Buyer Boot Camp

Join us for the First Time Home Buyers Boot Camp Nov 12th 7 pm to 8:30 pm in Cupertino at 20230 Stevens Creek Blvd, Suite E


Do you have know what a FICO score is? Do you know the importance of a reading the disclosures before making an offer on a home? Do you know what APR 5.25 means? If you don't know the answers to these questions then this is the right Boot Camp for you. Join us at the First Time Home Buyers Boot Camp to better understand the process of saving for a down payment and getting your credit scores in tip top shape. Learn the steps involved in looking for your first home and making a first offer. And last but not least, what you need to do to get a loan on the home of your dreams.

Please join personal financial expert Alison Salsibury, buyer expert REALTOR, Carla Dimond and Local Mortgage Consultant, Cammie Brodie for this free boot camp at 20230 Stevens Creek Blvd, Suite E, Cupertino, CA, 95014 from 7 pm to 8:30 pm on November 12th.
Topics will include
1. How to develop and/or improve your credit scores

2. Strategies for saving for a down payment

3. What are your loan options?

4. What does a loan officer need to process my loan?

5. How to spot marketing ploys that will cost you money on your first home?

6. What to expect in making an offer on your first home?

Join us and get the tools and tips you need so you when you find your dream home you are prepared to place a compelling offer.
RSVP now as seating is limited at cdimond@kw.com or 650 388-8820.
Light refreshments will be served
A drawing for a free book on how to buy your first home