greenheart

last night's dinner...

First, let me say, that cooking fresh clams has always seemed daunting to me. But lately I've been in love with linguine and white clam sauce and I felt the need to add it to my repertoire.  I came across this recipe... so easy, right?!  And SO good.  My Grandmother suggested adding mushrooms, saute them after the scallions and garlic {wouldn't chanterelles be nice?!}  She also suggests a stick of butter, rather than 2 pats.  I can't argue with that, more butter usually is better.  I think next time, I'll also add some extra {pre-shucked} clams into the mix and use linguine instead of the suggested spaghetti... I don't know why that last one matters, but it does. Oh, and I'm also pretty sure it's an Italian faux-pas to put Parmesan on your clams... but I can't be bothered with such quandaries involving cheese.  So the new summer mission is to go clamming!  ever been?  It sounds dirty to me and probably a ton of fun. 

happy hour...

Time for another happy hour!  This time it's at my place.. rsvp right here.  Cheers!

jam on...

The strawberries from last week have been all done up... into one delicious strawberry shortcake cake {note I've tried that recipe before as cupcakes, it does NOT work as cupcakes unless your goal is to make a mess of your oven.}  And the first batch of strawberry jam... just follow instructions on the pectin box, easy peasy.  I've got big plans for the jam, it will be a summer-long production.  side note: Lila and I picked just the right amount of strawberries for both recipes, just like we planned it.  ;)

inspired * miss hannigan's necklace...

We've been watching some Annie around these parts... singing, dancing, great costumes... can't say that I mind.  One of Miss Hannigan's many necklaces keeps catching my eye, the one from "little girls".  Here's my take...

The open water pendant, available in the jewelry box very, very soon!

now in bloom * green star dendrobium

Our orchids definitely took a beating with last winter's cross-country drive, but the ones that survived seem to be better for it.  This little green guy is always such a delight. 

{previously in bloom here}