Monday, December 30

Ham & Potato Hash


This morning was my first morning home in several weeks. I've been working like a mad-woman and busy celebrating the holidays. Needless to say, cooking has been sparse. Today we were craving a home cooked breakfast, and this favorite recipe of ours hit the spot!

Here's a simple potato hash that will take you about 30 minutes from start to finish. Fry up an egg or two to go with it, and you're set!

Ham and Potato Hash


4 tablespoons of butter
1 onion, finely chopped
1 green pepper, finely chopped
2 medium potatoes 
1 cup of petite jean cooked ham, diced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
salt and fresh ground black pepper

Cut your potatoes in half (length-wise), and then into 1/2 inch think pieces. Mine turn out like triangles. In a saute pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add your potatoes. Cover your potatoes with water, and bring the water to a boil. Cook 7-9 minutes or until potatoes get tender. Skins will start to fall off (unless your peeled them prior to cooking, which is also an option). 

In a cast-iron skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Add your chopped onion, cooking until soft. Add chopped bell peppers to the onions, and allow them to cook together for 3-5 minutes. Then add the remaining ingredients (draining any excess water off the potatoes before adding them to the skillet). Cook until browned, about 10 minutes.

 



Tuesday, December 24

Holiday Hors D'oeuvres

Christmas is HERE! Have you got everything cooked, wrapped, and sparkling? In case you're scrambling around (like me), I wanted to share a list of TEN quick links to help you out in the kitchen. These are holiday favorites from one of my most trusted recipe sources, The Local Palate:


1. Marinated Duck Breast 
2. Candied Pecans
3. JalapeƱo con Queso with Chorizo
4. Peanut Brittle
5. Pork Tenderloin Sliders
6. Pepper Sauce
7. Roasted Brussel Sprouts
8. Old Fashioned Potted Doves
9. Coffee Cake Breakfast Bread
10. Sweet Potato Pie

The Local Palate has become my favorite magazine! It explores southern cooking, traditions, and cultural history featuring unique locations and the very best chefs. If you get any down time over the holidays be sure a check out their blog!

Monday, December 23

Hometown Style

Growing up I always felt like my hometown (Russellville, AR) had great style sense. With plenty of bankers, farmers, and duck hunters, there was a nice mix of outdoors enthusiasm and that 1990s drive to be sucessful. The men mixed their Carhartts with Ralph Lauren button-downs, and chose Land Rovers instead of trucks for hauling gear. All the while, their wives made Patagonia vests chic - paired with fur boots, diamonds, and designer handbags.

Inspired by small town Arkansas, and the holiday seasons, I wanted to celebrate some great pieces reflective of my hometown's style.

Start with a few classics (like the ones I've featured here), and then mix in your favorite luxury items! This recipe is sure to make holiday outfitting simple and successful!

Penfield Jacket // Madewell Tomboy Workshirt //  Fair Isle Camp Socks // J.Crew Elbow-Patch Sweater // Nordic Prints  // Carhartt Watch Hat // Patagonia Retro-X Vest // Anthropologie Plaid Scarf //  Tretorn Aspelina Boots

Thursday, December 19

I've been missing you! Let's warm up with a Hot Toddy

I've missed blogging, but have at least had the opportunity to sit back and think about the direction and design of this little work-in-progress. There is so much I don't know, but the one thing I do is TOAST is about to get a facelift. Stay tuned everybody!

Here are a few photos from life and Instagram as of late, and a classic Hot Toddy Recipe just in time for the holidays:



   







The Hot Toddy has been quite popular around our house this winter!

I found it was extra nice with some local honey when I was sick with a sore throat and congestion. 

Enjoy in your favorite mug with someone you love :)

Hot Toddy


2oz Bourbon (or Brandy)
6oz Hot Water
1tsp Honey (or other sweetner)
Lemon