Chicken Paillard with Arugula & Tomato

Well friends, we are back to sunny, warm weather here in Southern California and I'm in the mood for fresh, light meals. 

This dish is perfect~light & fresh and a staple in our house for summertime. It's inspired by a recipe in the Nordstrom Flavors Cookbook, and what got me excited about cooking chicken again.

Before, the taste of chicken seemed boring and a little too game-y to me, bleh. Once I discovered paillards, I suddenly looked forward to meals with chicken. I now prepare all my chicken dishes in the paillard fashion and it makes such a difference! Suddenly the chicken becomes sweet and flavorful, yum. 

This is one of Jesse {and Ryder's if you can believe it} favorite meals, both boys gobble it up! The dressing certainly makes the meal, you should have some leftover to serve over your side salad the next night!

Ingredients

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts {preferably free~range organic. The better quality your chicken, the better it will taste}

- 10 ounces arugula {tough stems removed}

- cherry tomatoes, halved {J isn't a fan of tomatoes, so I usually just use a handful for me and Ry}

- 1/4 sweet onion, thinly sliced

{balsamic vinaigrette}

- 1/3 cup, plus one tbsp. balsamic vinegar

- 2 tablespoons minced sweet onion

- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard

- 2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar

- 1 handful fresh basil, chopped

- 1 cup olive oil

- salt and pepper to taste

Directions

 1.) Combine the balsamic vinaigrette ingredients, sans the olive oil in a blender or food processor and pulse to combine until smooth. With the machine running, slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream to emulsify. Set aside.

2.) Split each chicken breast in half horizontally. Place each half between two sheets of parchment paper and pound gently, working from the inside out. Your breast should go from 1/2 inch wide to 1/4 {This step can be done several hours before cooking to get ahead. simply cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge until needed}

3.) Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non~stick skillet until hot. Cook each paillard approx. 2 minutes each side, seasoning each side. Place in the oven to keep warm as you cook finish cooking remaining paillards.

3.) Arrange your paillards on a dinner plate, and top with arugula, tomato and onion. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.

until next time

B

Mommy Comedy...

So last night I saw this very funny cartoon on Pinterest and thought it was so true (at least for me) that I wanted to share...

There is always some truth in comedy, some truth that someone can relate to which makes you laugh outloud even when you're all alone. When I saw this cartoon, I thought that someone must have been living in my brain.  How did they know?  Well, because I believe that us moms have more in common than we think.  We are never alone, our experiences may not be identical, but we all have our own journeys in this beautiful world of motherhood.   

Hope it brings a smile to your face...

Lorin

Tomatoes, Basil & Mozerella

We have been having beautiful warm weather these days in Southern California, and today was no exception~ hot & sunny without a cloud in the sky. 

Jesse Ryder and I had an action packed day; Grayson's baseball game in the morning, after that it was off to Armstrong, then home for Ryder's nap and lunch with my Dad and sister. After lunch the weather cooled down a bit, so my little man and I decided to head out for an afternoon of fun at the local farm. After a hay ride, a pony train, checking out the animal show and playing in the sand I picked up my produce for the next couple days. 

Lo and I try to buy all produce at farmer's markets or the farm. We've made it our mission to find the best quality and prices and enjoy discovering new farmer's markets and farmstands. 

Once Ry and I were home and Jesse came in from working outside, we both decided that we were still full from lunch and simply too hot for a full dinner so we had a meal of light appetizers {my kind of meal!}. My beautiful cherry tomatoes were beckoning me so I made up a light tomato & basil salad, reminiscent of a caprese with a balsamic vinegar & brown sugar reduction as a dressing. I made a small plate just for me {J had olive tapenade, he's not a fan of tomatoes and Ry had mac and cheese}. The dressing made the salad and it was de~licious, think I'll make it for the fam tomorrow!

Tomato, Basil & Mozerella with a Balsamic Vinegar~ Brown Sugar Reduction

This salad is so simple and easy, some of this~ some of that. So I haven't included any real measurements..

 Ingredients

- cherry tomatoes, quartered {or halved, whatever suits your fancy}

- fresh "mini" mozerella pearls

- fresh basil leaves {think I used about 5 for this plate}

- 1 cup balsamic vinegar

- 1/3 cup freshly packed brown sugar

- olive oil

- salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1.) Heat the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar over medium~high heat until it reduces by at least half {approx. 3~4 minutes}. Remove from the heat and let cool before serving.

2.) Chop your basil {to preserve maximum amounts of flavor stack your leaves and roll, starting from the stem and working towards the leaf. Slice your role with a sharp knife}

3.) Assemble your salad and drizzle with some of the balsamic vinegar~brown sugar reduction, olive oil and salt and pepper to taste.

enjoy!

B

Black Bean Dip

 This dip is my go~to appetizer dish, whether I'm hosting an outdoor bbq or attending a potluck. It's always a hit, and I usually end up handing out the recipe at the end of the night. It's refreshing, delicious and has a bit of a kick....but best of all, it's easy.

 ~Black Bean Dip~

Ingredients

- 2 cans of corn, drained and rinsed ~or~ 2 ears of corn, grilled and shucked {gives it a nice smoky flavor. worth it if you've got the time}

- 2 cans {14 ounces} black beans, rinsed and drained

- 1/3 cup canola oil

- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

- 1/4 cup minced red onion

- 1/4 cup minced green onion {light green and white parts only}

- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin

- 1 1/2 tbsp. ~cajun seasonings~ {click for recipe}

- 1 cup chopped tomatoes {cherry tomatoes are best}

- 1 bunch chopped fresh cilantro
- salt and pepper to taste

- dash {es} of Tobasco, if you like it hot

Directions

Toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper and Tobasco. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving.

By the way, Lo and I are hard at work creating TONS of incredible goodies so stay tuned....

until next time,

B

Vintage Kitchen Utensils...

As you are getting to know me...one thing you will come to find is that I have a slight obsession with vintage kitchen utensils, colanders, strainers, graters, etc, etc, etc. I am drawn to them like a magnet and I may know why.  Growing up in the Martino home, I was not only surrounded by beautiful antiques that had been passed down from generations of our family, but also surrounded (literally) by my great~grandparents kitchen utensils placed creatively around the soffit of the ceiling in my parent's kitchen.  From end to end you will find potato mashers with worn wooden handles, handheld egg beaters with rusty gears, cheese slicers, small sifters with just the right amount of age, spatulas of all shapes and sizes, ravioli cutters, nut crackers, rustic pastry cutters, slotted spoons and a wooden rolling pin that has seen many pies...while I finished posting a few of my favorite vintage kitchen pieces on our etsy store today, I was reminded of the warmth I felt eating my meals in that kitchen and what an impact it had on who I am...so, I thought I'd share them in this post...

Vintage 3 in 1 Lightning Shredder with Interchangable Blades and Avacado Green Handle

Vintage A&J Wood Handled 1923 Hand Mixer Egg Beater

Vintage ACME Safety Grater Memo or Picture Holder

Vintage Bromwell Box Grater Memo or Picture Holder

Vintage Child's Betty Taplin Egg Beater with Red Knob

Vintage Child's Betty Taplin Egg Beater with Sage Green Wood Handle

Until we meet again...
Lorin

Italian Comfort Food~ Chicken Parmesan

We've had beautiful weather here in Southern California, but last night the rain clouds rolled in. I have to admit, I find it a but refreshing~ one last cozy storm before we officially hit Springtime. Ryder and I were out and about all day yesterday, walking, playing at the park and cruising the mall. I got home and wanted a cozy meal to welcome our final storm.

 I poured a glass of red, turned on some Baby Mozart mood music and enjoyed cooking, cleaning as I went so I could relax and enjoy a leisurely long meal with my boys. 

As I sipped my wine, rinsing my food processor, stirring my sauce and singing "wheels on the bus" to my babe I saw the foreboding storm clouds roll in through my kitchen window. 

Pure bliss I tell ya.

 Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients

- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

- 2 tbsp. flour

- 1 cup breadcrumbs {make your own or use Italian~ seasoned}

- 2 eggs, beaten

- olive oil for the pan

- tomato sauce {see recipe below}

- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil

- 1 cup {give or take some more} mozzarella cheese

- freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1.) slice chicken breasts in half, and place between two sheets of parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the breasts thin. {this is a must~ have step for me when making chicken, otherwise the chicken can taste too game~y for me}

2.) Assemble a "dipping station" for your chicken breasts. Dip each breast in egg white, and then bread crumbs

3.) heat olive oil in a non~stock skillet. Cook each breast approx. 3~4 minutes on each side.

4.) Assemble breasts on a casserole pan or baking dish. Pour the tomato sauce generously over the breasts, and then top with a heaping of mozzarella cheese. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles.

5.) serve over pasta {I served it on a big mound of linguine}, or with a side of polenta and top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. yum!

Quick and Easy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

- 1 28 ounce can plum tomatoes, broken up with their juices in a food processor.

- 1/2 onion ~finely~ chopped

- at least 2 cloves of garlic, chopped

- 2 tbsp fresh basil

- 1 tbsp olive oil

- 1 tsp. dried oregano

Directions

1.) Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions {with as much of their juices as possible}. Cook 2~3 minutes

2.) Add the garlic and cook until just fragrant.

2.) Add the oregano and stir to combine. Add the tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook 10 minutes.

3.) Add fresh basil and stir to combine. {skip this step if you are preparing your sauce to freeze}

Enjoy!

B

Simple Easter Decorating

We've been so busy these last couple weeks, I really hadn't done any real Easter decorating. I wasn't planning on doing much, especially since we don't  entertain on Easter. Meema {my mother in law, and Lorin's mother Anna} hosts a wonderful Easter egg hunt and brunch every year. However, we decided to host a little pre~Easter luncheon at our house for my Dad, Cathie and sisters the Saturday before Easter so I decided to set an Easter table. 
This really didn't take much.... about one naptime {2 hours or so}. 

I started by creating little place settings for everyone. Ryder is still a bit young to participate in egg dying, but this is a super simple project, and a great way to get the kiddos involved. 


Ryder and I headed to the park and collected some branches and twigs {he found most of them}! Here's some of what we came home with {the fabric scissors were not found at the park} :

I tore the branches into the appropriate sizes to create a cross, and cut some ribbon about this size. You can use twine too, I liked the look of the satin-y ribbon against the rugged twigs:

I simply wrapped the ribbon around to hold the cross in place. 
I added the following sales tags and wrote different scripture related to Easter on each one

In the end, I prefer the cross sans tag to use on each plate, but I'll use them with the tags to give out on Easter

I also added "Happy Easter" to my burlap banner. I went a bit banner crazy for Ryder's birthday party, and I keep one still hung over the mirror in the dining room. I found some foam craft letters at Joann's, they were about $4.99 for a pack containing multiples of each letter. They're brightly colored, but I simply paint the letters appropriate to the holiday and use them on the banner. There was white for Happy Birthday, pink for Be My Valentine, I painted them off-white for Happy Easter
I also managed to get paint all over my brand new jeans, I was in a hurry to get everything done so I didn't bother to change. Serves me right for rushing through a project! {thankfully it was acrylic paint so I scrubbed it with a sponge and warm water and it came right out} 


Here's how they looked before:

 and after:

the letters have a self-adhesive back so it works like a charm! 

I added some moss balls and a bird's nest, complete with feathers and some Spanish moss to a vintage dough bowl as a centerpiece:

In the end I decided to use lavender instead. What can I say? I'm a sucker for lavender.

Here's the completed table:

I wrote out this quote by Martin Luther on our chalkboard above my workspace in the kitchen, You can find a beautiful printable of this here, from Dear Lillie.

There you have it, pretty simple Next year my Little Man and I will get creative with painted eggs, 

Have a wonderful Easter!

B

Take me out to the ball game!

Yay for opening day of Baseball!  We are a baseball family here at the Paul home...Go Dodgers!  As I was preparing for today's blog, I suddenly had an idea that tied into baseball.  So I thought it was appropriate to share this story today.

When we moved into our home a few years ago, the large window in our family room was begging for a window seat.  I collected many ideas- from a large bench stretching the length of the window to a built in window seat that I would have my dad help me build with storage underneath.  I searched for styles that I loved and storage that I needed but simply couldn't decide.  What was missing from my ideas? The answer came in the form of 2 sets of Vintage Dodger Seats that we had sitting in storage.  Yes! It was finally clear.  When my husband, Gary, brought them into our home, not only did they fit perfectly under the window, but they also had room for baskets underneath to store the littles' toys.  I found 4 burlap and linen covered baskets that tucked right underneath.  B made the two pillows for me using drop cloth, burlap, and red and white striped ticking fabric. I love the way the pillows make the seats look so inviting and how it ties everything together.  The red and blue seats are faded just enough to give them a perfectly aged look and the sides and arms of the chairs are charcoal gray metal. I love that you can see a faded yellow K on the side of the blue chair.  So much character and history...  

These seats have seen many wins in Dodger Stadium.  In 1973, they were bolted down in the stadium giving a place for family and friends to sit and maybe enjoy a Dodger dog or two...Root, Root, Root for the Home Team...have some laughs or cry some tears. They were taken out in 2005 when the stadium was renovated and sold off in pairs. I am so thankful to have them now in my home where they give us a place to sit and enjoy a cup of lemonade or two...Root, Root, Root for the Home Team...have some laughs and cry some tears. They are part of what makes this house a home...

Until we meet again...

Lorin

A Simple Ruffled Table Runner

I'm constantly looking for new ways to style our dining room. Our house is a Ranch-style home with an open floor-plan, and when you walk in the front door you see straight on through to our dining room table. Our dining room table is a beautiful piece, given to us by my Dad and Stepmom Cathie.

Unfortunately the table, while beautiful, desperately needs a good stripping and refinishing. I'd like to strip it and give it a more natural, raw "Restoration Hardware" inspired finish. Lately I've been trying to convince Jesse to let me try and refinish it, but there are intricate carvings along the side and on the legs, which can be quite difficult to sand down without ruining. I've looked into quotes on having it professionally done- but it's quite expensive (at least $1,000) and I hate spending money on something we could theoretically do ourselves. In the meantime, I have to get creative on covering the table without it looking sloppy. I've made a number of different table runners and tablecloths, this is by far my favorite.

 I absolutely love working with drop cloth. I've made curtains, ottoman slipcovers and countless pillows using drop cloth. Not only is it incredibly affordable (I paid $14.99 for an 8x14 piece), it's durable, machine washable and has a natural, rough linen look that I love and crave.

Here's what you need:

-one long piece of drop cloth (you can find it at any local hardware store) or fabric of your choice, cut to your desired length

- two short but long pieces of drop cloth or fabric. My rule of thumb when making ruffles is to always use 3x the desired length to get a healthy ruffle. (For example, if your runner will be 10 inches wide, you need to have a piece of fabric to ruffle that is 30 inches wide)

see below:

yes, that's my dog's butt in the picture. He was trying to help.

I got lucky and was able to just cut my drop cloth piece as it came in half. Since I wanted a wide runner, the length of my runner was exactly 3x the width. score!

- sewing machine

- pins

-iron

-trim

1.) fold a small fold (approx. 1/2 inch wide) and iron flat. Repeat this step through step 5 on each left and right side of your long main piece, left and right sides and bottoms of your ruffled pieces. The tops of the to-be ruffled pieces and top and bottom of your long piece will be sewn together so we don't need to worry about those.

2.) fold over again and pin to keep in place. These steps are crucial in creating a smooth, durable finished edge.

3.) iron over your second fold

4.) Run a stitch closer to the crease of your fold

 

5.) Run a second stitch next to the first

6.) Now your finished edges have the superhuman strength of two stitches

Now for the ruffles. 

I have an old hand-me-down sewing machine from my Mom that lacks the fancy-pants ruffled setting. I'm keeping it real people.

 If yours has a ruffle setting, simple sew a ruffle. If you have a machine like mine, follow the following steps...

7.) Run two stitches on the unfinished tops of your to-be ruffled fabric, set on your widest stitch setting. It's important to run two stitches, because the thread is quite thin and can easily rip as you "scrunch"

 

8.) pull on the top threads and "scrunch" your fabric to create a ruffle. Scrunch, scrunch, scrunch carefully as to not rip the thread and have to start. all. over.

9.) Once you've scrunched and ruffled each ruffle piece, lay the unfinished ends together with the two "right" sides of each fabric together on the inside and the "wrong" sides outside. Pin in place.

10.) sew the ruffled pieces to your main piece. With my ottoman slipcovers, I found that sewing by hand was much easier, and came out much cleaner that using my sewing machine for this step. This time, I ran a quick basting stitch by hand, and then went over it with my sewing machine. The ruffled thick fabric can get "scrunched" and ruin the ruffles...so use caution.

11.) Apply a trim piece to the seam and cleverly hide any flaws in your sewing skills. Trim pieces are available at most craft stores with self-adhesive, or you can simply glue gun them on.

 There you have it.

 I added some dried lavender to a vintage enamelware basin for a natural, Spring centerpiece

I'm loving the look. Clean, natural and bright. Just in time for Spring.

until next time, 

B

Cajun Shrimp and Conchiglie

I'm a huge fan of Cajun cooking, especially a big smokin' pot of jambalaya. Unfortunately for me, it's not Jesse's favorite. I made this sneaky dish the other night while I was craving something Cajun and to my surprise, J loved it! This dish is a bit spicy for littles, especially Ryder (15 months), so I modified a little side plate for my little man. 

Cajun Shrimp and Conchiglie {shells}

Ingredients 

- 2 cups uncooked Conchiglie (shells). Substitute with fusilli or penne

- 1 tbsp. butter & 1 tbsp. olive oil (butter for the flavor, olive oil for the high cooking temp.)

-1 shallot, chopped

- at lest 3 cloves garlic, chopped (I LOVE me some garlic, so I used more like 5)

- 1/4 cup chopped green onion

- 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (see recipe below, or you can use store bought- just be weary of sodium)

- 1 cup white wine or chicken broth

- 1 cup diced plum tomatoes

- 1 pound bag frozen medium shrimp (peeled and devained). You can use fresh if you want to be an over-achiever.

- at least two big handfuls of baby spinach (remember, spinach cooks down). If you've got a hubby like mine who isn't a fan of spinach- This recipe hides compliments it well. Throw in as much as you can!

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to box directions

2. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil and butter, throw in the onion, shallots and garlic. Add Cajun seasoning and cook at least 2 minutes.

3. Add tomatoes, chicken broth or wine, bring to a simmer

4. Add spinach and shrimp and cook until shrimp is no longer opaque. (here's wear I simply grabbed a little pan, heated a little bit of olive oil and added some spinach.)

5. Add cooked Conchiglie and stir to combine. (add some cooked pasta to your spinach on the side)

Cajun Seasoning

Ingredients

- 1 tablespoon dried oregano

- 1tablespoon onion powder

- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (add more if you like it spicy)- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper

- salt to taste

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a plastic baggie and shake to combine. 

Enjoy!

B

New Treasures added to our Site!!

 a Salvaged Home's online shop is live and running!
Check out these yummy treasures we've just listed..

~Vintage Rustic Wooden Wheel Hay Pulley~
beautiful piece of industrial history

 

  ~Vintage Hanging Chatillon Scale~
in perfect condition and legal for trade
boasts beautiful wear and patina

~Vintage Wood Handled Hay/Meat Hook~
primitive hook with beautiful decorating potential

~Large Wooden Vintage Industrial Spool~

Wilson Bros. Pat Grip. This spool is made in England and has character, natural age and patina. 

 

~Vintage Wooden Letterpress~

9 (or 6)

  

~Vintage Wooden Letterpress~

7

~Vintage Glass Anchor Hocking Serva Snack Luncheon Plates~

set of 4. Forget the paper plates and plastic silverware…

 

~Vintage Clear Glass Diamond Pattern Stemmed Dessert Cups ~

Set of 4, Imagine serving your next ice cream sundaes in these clear glass vintage cups...

~Vintage Ball Perfect Mason Jar~
Dates back to 1920-1933. Boasts the highly sought after blue tint, and comes with zinc and milkglass lid.

~Antique Lavender Bottle, Burnham's Clam Buillon~
early 1900's

~Antique Lavender Bottle, Rubifoam for the teeth~
1887

 

~Antique Lavender Bottle, Burnett Standard Flavoring Extracts~

early 1900's

~Antique Lavender Bottle, Abbot Alkaloidal Company~
early 1900's

~Antique Vintage Lindstrom Spinning Metal Toy Top~

Such strong character in a small treasure

Have a wonderful day!

~click here to be directed to our shop~