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.
Friday, November 13, 2009
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!
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.
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!
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
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
Friday, October 30, 2009
Recipe: Roasted Chicken, Mommie Chicken
Why would I include a recipe for roasted chicken, called Mommie Chicken?
There are probably as many recipes for roasting chicken as there are chickens. Every time I see my son he asks if I have blogged about "Mommie Chicken" which is how my son refers to my roasted chicken recipe. So to keep peace in the family here is my version of roasted chicken; also known as Mommie Chicken.
The real difference is that I roast the chicken Asian style instead of American style. Which means I roast it breast side down. The breast does not get that beautiful brown skin but it stays incredibly moist. And you are not suppose to be eating that skin any way; just ask your doctor!
I roast my chicken with either potatoes or rice and other vegetables. Rice being the preferred starch in my house but both are good.
I like to make sure we have leftovers. The advantage of using just vegetables is that you have the makings for a great soup. Leftover rice makes great fried rice.
1 5 lb Whole Chicken (I prefer Rosies Organic)
1 bulb of garlic (2 if you really like it) peeled
1 small yellow onion diced
3 carrots, sliced
4 stalks of celery sliced
1 C rice or 2 baking potatoes sliced
1/2 C low sodium chicken broth
salt and pepper to taste
Any other sliced roasting vegetable that you like; zuchini, eggplant, mushrooms, leeks, shallots are all good additions.
Preheat the oven to 425
Put all the vegetables and rice/potatoes in the bottom of a roasting pan. Add the chicken broth.
Clean the chicken and season with salt and pepper. You may want to set aside some garlic and onion to stuff in the chicken for roasting. Put the chicken breast DOWN. I know it looks funny but it will taste so much better when it is cooked. Rule of thumb is to cook 30 mins per pound on a chicken. Sometimes you need to cook longer with all the vegetables. I usually turn the oven down to 375 after 2 hrs of cooking time. Cook until the chicken juices run clear. I usually take out the chicken and stir the vegetables a couple of times in the cooking process.
Carve up the chicken and serve. Put the vegetables and rice/potato in a serving dish.
To make left over soup, put the carcass, skin and left over meat in chicken broth (about 64 oz) with more onion and garlic. Cook down for an hour and then chill.
Skim off the fat and remove the bones and skin and add the left over vegetables warm up and then serve.
Leftover fried rice. Warm up the vegetables and rice add an egg and green onion and a touch of soy sauce. Stir until the egg is cooked into the rice and serve.
I love anything recipe that feeds my family a couple of great meals.
Enjoy!
There are probably as many recipes for roasting chicken as there are chickens. Every time I see my son he asks if I have blogged about "Mommie Chicken" which is how my son refers to my roasted chicken recipe. So to keep peace in the family here is my version of roasted chicken; also known as Mommie Chicken.
The real difference is that I roast the chicken Asian style instead of American style. Which means I roast it breast side down. The breast does not get that beautiful brown skin but it stays incredibly moist. And you are not suppose to be eating that skin any way; just ask your doctor!
I roast my chicken with either potatoes or rice and other vegetables. Rice being the preferred starch in my house but both are good.
I like to make sure we have leftovers. The advantage of using just vegetables is that you have the makings for a great soup. Leftover rice makes great fried rice.
1 5 lb Whole Chicken (I prefer Rosies Organic)
1 bulb of garlic (2 if you really like it) peeled
1 small yellow onion diced
3 carrots, sliced
4 stalks of celery sliced
1 C rice or 2 baking potatoes sliced
1/2 C low sodium chicken broth
salt and pepper to taste
Any other sliced roasting vegetable that you like; zuchini, eggplant, mushrooms, leeks, shallots are all good additions.
Preheat the oven to 425
Put all the vegetables and rice/potatoes in the bottom of a roasting pan. Add the chicken broth.
Clean the chicken and season with salt and pepper. You may want to set aside some garlic and onion to stuff in the chicken for roasting. Put the chicken breast DOWN. I know it looks funny but it will taste so much better when it is cooked. Rule of thumb is to cook 30 mins per pound on a chicken. Sometimes you need to cook longer with all the vegetables. I usually turn the oven down to 375 after 2 hrs of cooking time. Cook until the chicken juices run clear. I usually take out the chicken and stir the vegetables a couple of times in the cooking process.
Carve up the chicken and serve. Put the vegetables and rice/potato in a serving dish.
To make left over soup, put the carcass, skin and left over meat in chicken broth (about 64 oz) with more onion and garlic. Cook down for an hour and then chill.
Skim off the fat and remove the bones and skin and add the left over vegetables warm up and then serve.
Leftover fried rice. Warm up the vegetables and rice add an egg and green onion and a touch of soy sauce. Stir until the egg is cooked into the rice and serve.
I love anything recipe that feeds my family a couple of great meals.
Enjoy!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Anthony Lewis: A general contractor that stands behind his work in Silicon Valley
Anthony Lewis is a general contractor that stands behind his work in Silicon Valley.
To me the difference between a good and a great contractor is how they handle things that go wrong. Unfortunately sometimes things do go wrong and you need to have them fixed. This is an area that I commend Anthony for being so extraordinary.
Anthony was the general contractor for the kitchen remodel at my boyfriends house in Silicon Valley. The job was done about a year ago and everything looked great. However, several months after the job was complete faint hairline cracks appeared in the tile job on the floor and continued to grow as time went by. We called Anthony and he came out and looked at the floor and immediately volunteered that the floor needed to be repaired. Once the repair job was underway it was apparent that the floor actually needed to be replaced. Anthony came and inspected the floor and agreed and had his team remove the floor and replace it. No drama; no excuses just get in and get it fixed.
I recommend if want to have peace of mind that your Silicon Valley remodel will stand the test of time call Anthony Lewis.
Anthony Lewis
url: anthonylewisinc.com
phone: 831 359-3928
To me the difference between a good and a great contractor is how they handle things that go wrong. Unfortunately sometimes things do go wrong and you need to have them fixed. This is an area that I commend Anthony for being so extraordinary.
Anthony was the general contractor for the kitchen remodel at my boyfriends house in Silicon Valley. The job was done about a year ago and everything looked great. However, several months after the job was complete faint hairline cracks appeared in the tile job on the floor and continued to grow as time went by. We called Anthony and he came out and looked at the floor and immediately volunteered that the floor needed to be repaired. Once the repair job was underway it was apparent that the floor actually needed to be replaced. Anthony came and inspected the floor and agreed and had his team remove the floor and replace it. No drama; no excuses just get in and get it fixed.
I recommend if want to have peace of mind that your Silicon Valley remodel will stand the test of time call Anthony Lewis.
Anthony Lewis
phone: 831 359-3928
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