Garlic Herb Salt

Infusion is, without question, one of my most favorite ways of imparting extra umph and scrumptious goodness to the foods and drinks I love.  From coffee, to compound butter, to vinaigrettes, and beyond, it's found its way into my repertoire on more than a few occasions.  No coincidences there.

Over the weekend, I was inspired to combine some of my favorite herbs (thyme, rosemary and parsley) with several cloves of fresh garlic to create a beautiful and exceptionally delicious garlic herb salt.  And, if you're remotely like me, then you might be tempted to salivate slightly at just the thought of all the ways this treasure will transform your dishes and enhance your cooking regimen. 

The hand-chopped technique, along with the overnight air-drying, yielded the perfect coarse, crumbly texture.  All stored away, with a little reserved for gifting, it's a welcomed gourmet addition to my pantry--and it should be in yours, too.

Happy Eating!

Garlic Herb Salt
Recipe courtesy of Saveur

Ingredients:
6 cloves garlic
½ cup kosher salt
1 cup mixed fresh herbs

Method:
Crush garlic and coarsely chop with half of salt to form a chunky paste. Slowly add herbs and remaining salt and continue to chop into a fine paste. Spread on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and let sit uncovered overnight or up to 24 hours until dry and crumbly.  Store in an airtight glass jar up to 1 month.
 

Link Love: Easy Holiday How-Tos

Photo Credit: Martha Stewart

With Christmas only a few days away, it's safe to assume that most people have gathered and wrapped all of their gifts, planned their menu(s), and staked some time for creative and relaxing indulgences.  Yes?  No.

More likely than not (if you're like most of us--ahem), there's still more to do.  So to help get you (sanely) through the remaining days of planning and prepping, I'm sharing a few of my favorite "how-tos" for everything from simple finishing touches (read: how do I get my gift wrapping to pop?) to DIY bath and home indulgences, to one fabulous starter (or final) course to round out your holiday noshing.

So relax, breathe, indulge--and enjoy a Merry Christmas.

Soothing Bath Soaks

Transform your home bath into a spa-esque sanctuary with tub teas and let relaxation replace holiday stress. (Martha Stewart)  

By Candlelight

The warmth and glow of candles instantly set a mood for equal parts calm and indulgence--and when they're easy, homemade candles, what's not to love? (Eat Boutique)

    Put a Bow On It

If your gift wrapping skills need a boost, let the finishing touch of a perfectly-tied bow do the trick. (BuzzFeed Life)

Say Cheese

Arranging a cheese plate can be tricky--flavors, textures, etc., etc.  These tips for creating a perfect cheese plate will take away the guesswork and leave you with a delicious spread. (Martha Stewart)  

Blessings & Happy Eating!

Gifts from My Kitchen!

As I gather with family and friends for Christmas and the remaining days of the holiday season, I'm bringing something personal to the table: homemade gifts from my kitchen.

Nothing says, "you're special", quite like a delicious, homemade gift--made with love.  

Chili Spice Blend & Turkey Chili Recipe

I'm gifting some of my favorite things, like spice blends--in adorable spice jars from Anthropologie--along with a recipe in which the blend can immediately be put to use.  I also baked up a generous batch of homemade granola that will make the perfect gift for easy snacking, breakfast cereal, or atop a favorite yogurt or ice cream.  Yum!

Homemade Granola

So if you're still wanting to add something personal to your gift repertoire, there's no better way than with homemade goodness from your kitchen.  Sweet treats, infused oils, flavored sugars, and more, make wonderful gifts that are easy to pull off.

Now off I go with my gifts in tow--and with wishes for you to enjoy a very Merry Christmas...and lots of Happy Eating!

Link Love: Holiday Gift Guides

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas--and with only a little over a week left until this most merry and blessed holiday, I, for one, couldn't be more thrilled!  I look forward to treasured time with family, friends, some extended R&R, celebrating the foundation of my faith and preparing for the New Year on the horizon. 

Another favorite thing that I relish about Christmas is the spirit of giving that comes alive.  More than any other time of the year, the Christmas season is marked by giving.  And if you're still in search of a few choice gifts for the food and/or style lovers in your life, then I want to share a few guides that can surely aid you in finding that perfect gift...or two.

From snazzy kitchen tools to custom threads to entertaining treasures to delicious eats, and more, these guides are some of my seasonal favorites--and I'm sharing the holiday love with you!

So here's to making any last minute shopping and gifting a breeze...




1. A chic and fun guide for those who love to entertain (Society Social) 

2. A holiday recipe and dessert gift guide that's perfect for the sweets lover (Jem of the South)

3. The ideal Christmas gift guide for the hard core foodie (Flanboyant Eats)

Happy Eating!