Good Dinner Mrs. Mellen

Seeking beauty in surroundings seems frivolous,wasting time, energy, money, especially when measured against ‘real’ world issues. A throw back to a time that has long passed, is not relevant and doesn’t exist. I for one beg to differ for filling my life with beauty effortless elevates my soul. The beauty that makes me happy changes from moment to moment presenting unlimited opportunities to enjoy. From a beautiful bouquet of fresh picked flowers simply arranged in a white pitcher to aromatic soup gracing an artfully designed bowel, all add an element of joy to normal surroundings. Style, grace, elegance, manners, all old fashion ideas, words belonging not to our face paced technology driven world, extinct, irrelevant to life as we live today. I challenge that tenant; for living with simple beauty in all aspects of life colors the world with a unique hue of infectious positivity. Filling my life with beauty, man made or natural invites repose, beckoning me to stop, slow down, even if ...

Beef Bourguignon over Pasta 2 tablespoon olive oil 2.5 lb boneless beef chuck, cut in 1.5 inch cubes 3 tablespoons brandy 1/2 lb. small white onions, peeled (about 12) 12 whole cloves 8 ounces whole or sliced mushrooms 2.5 tablespoons flour 2.5 teaspoons meat-extract paste (not liquid) 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 1/2 cups red wine 3/4 cup dry sherry 3/4 cup ruby port 1 1/2 cup beef stock 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1 bay leaf 1 pound of pasta Recipe Instructions Slowly heat 4 quart Dutch oven with tight-fitting lid. olive oil; heat, but do not burn. In hot oil, over high heat, brown beef cubes well, using a fourth at a time, or just enough to cover bottom of Dutch oven. Remove beef as it browns. Continue until beef is browned, adding more oil as needed. Return beef to Dutch oven. In a small saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons brandy just until vapor rises. Ignite, pour over beef. As flame dies, remove beef. Add 2 olive oil to Dutch Oven; heat slightly. Stud each onion...

  Snowy Winter White Chocolate Cranberry Cake Looking at this cake makes me think of glistering fresh new snow illuminated by a bright lite full moon! Not only is this cake a beautiful show stopper it also taste wonderful. I love this tender white cake filled a heavenly white chocolate ganache. Sugared cranberries finish this storybook cake to perfection to be a glorious finish to any holiday meal or party! Sugared cranberries 2 cups fresh cranberries 1 1/2 cups sugar, divided 1 cup water  Cake 2 1/4 cups cake flour 1 3/4 cups all purposed flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, at room temperature 3 cups granulated sugar 6 large eggs, at room temperature 1 1/2 cups whole milk 2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon almond extract 3 cups cranberries White Chocolate Icing 12 oz white chocolate chips 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream 3/4 cup butter, room temperature 8-...

Christmas morning is a special time in our home where we all gather around the tree to open gifts while remembering all our Christmas pasts. I want to be with my family celebrating not having to prepare breakfast. Which is why  I am a big fan of make ahead breakfast casseroles to pop into the oven as I join my family under the tree. Cheese Grits and Sausage so tasty, easy to make and get ready the night before refrigerating until the next morning. Cheese Grits and Sausage Casserole Ingredients 6 cups vegetable broth 2 cups uncooked grits 1/2 cup butter, divided 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided 1 pound chicken sausage links ...

Only by chance many years ago on a vacation in the South did I discover Southern Living Magazine. Originally from Pennsylvania now living in Massachusetts this publication was not available in my area. Drawn to a beautiful picture of a sky high layer cake on the cover my interest was so thoroughly peeked prompting  me to take the magazine off the rack to peek inside. Skimming through the pages I was so drawn to the magazine I bought my first issue on our summer vacation. Initially drawn to the cake on the cover as I read the articles I felt immediately a kinship with the classic decorating featured in the publication. Classic but not unapproachable, I could feel comfortable incorporating the decorating ideas into my home. I looked forward to the arrival of each the new month eager for more decorating inspiration along with recipes add to my growing favorites from Southern Living,  Increasingly I looked to this inspirational magazine for recipes that were beautifully presente...