Monday, June 06, 2011

sticky floors



(found right here)
lately,  my kitchen has been getting a lot of love & activity
especially by my girls.

i think i've always been a tad intimidated by hosting events in my home.
will they like my food?
will i be so strung out worrying if they like everything?
what if they pick up on my stress  & definitely not like anything?
will they feel comfortable?
will they come back?
you know, ( actually you probably aren't that weird) the regular list.
but after hosting a few hundred for a quickie open house, i feel a little better.
who knows, maybe i'll have a little dinner party this summer.

back to the sticky floors .
let me share some kitchen activity with you...

in the last several days,
caroline created an erupting volcano
emi made brownies for peer leading
madison whipped up 4 dozen cupcakes in icecream cones for her health class
we made 2 gallons worth of strawberry freezer jam
& madi also made her own version of harry potter cupcakes for a fellow HP fan












a few more random images , kitchen themed.
 
let me ask you, if any of you have some tips or recipes for yellow squash
that doesn't leave them all soggy, please share.


one of favorite summer meals, grilled tilapia, roasted brussel sprouts
jasmine rice and grilled squash, zucchini and onions.


isn't this the cutest yogurt packaging you've ever seen?

a few more special edition Lilly Pulitzer animal cookies
before they're all gone

 some yummy  
focaccia bread inspired by Bud & Alley's pizza bar.


we used the fresh pizza dough from publix
rubbed down with evoo
sprinkled sea salt & fresh rosemary from my little wanna be garden
baked at 425 for 15-20 min
& tada
seriously yummy





 & lastly, speaking of the kitchen
i'm reading 
The Pioneer Woman
Black Heels to Tractor Wheels.
makes me love that woman even more!


ok, don't forget
any non -soggy squash recipes or tips~
i'd love to see them!

21 comments:

traci said...

that was such a great book. sorry i can't help you out with any non squishy recipes, but kindly share if you do get some. i wish i had a daughter that liked to bake like that, well maybe not. i have no willpower and would weigh 500 lbs. have a great day. xo!!

Between You and Me said...

I have a great summer squash recipe...from a southern living cookbook that I've had for years...we love this!!!

6 medium size yellow squash
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped tomato
1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper
1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
1/4 tsp salt
dash of freshly ground pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp butter or margarine
3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

cover squash in water and bring to boil
cover, reduce heat and simmer 8-9 minutes or until squash is tender but still firm.
drain and cool slightly.
cut squash in half lengthwise..remove and discard seeds, leaving a firm shell.

combine onion, tomato, green pepper, basil, salt, and pepper in bowl. stir in cheese. place squash shells in a baking dish. spoon vegetable mixture into shells and dot with your butter. sprinkle with bacon..bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

This recipe ROCKS..you are going to love it...we eat the whole thing...squash shell and all!

Unknown said...

Love this post Paige, your girls are amazing and those cakes are fabulous :)

I can't imagine you ever feeling daunted by entertaining - you are SOOOOO good at it - but it kind of makes me feel better that even you feel that way, know what I mean?!

Have a great week :) xx

Coastal Health and Home said...

Dear Paige,

Think of the memories that you're
making in that kitchen.

Sounds like a fun time.

Do you gals listen to music while
your baking?

We sometimes listen to blog music
or playlist.

All I can say is Yummy.

Have a great day!

Best,

Coastal Blue Ocean

Kimberly said...

I love the sign & I concur! Families really come together in the kitchen don't they? Thanks for sharing!

Judy said...

You? Intimidated? After hosting that huge party for Savannah???? Whateva (LOL!)

Anyway, I can relate to all your fears about hosting parties, my house is in a perpetual state of fixing up.....but they say your friends come to see you, not your house (I don't believe that!)

I make a great squash casserole by just boiling squash and onions together until done, then draining the water and seasoning with salt & pepper and a little Lulu's seasoning. It's very yummy....as a matter of fact, we're having talapia tonight and I think I'll make the squash too!

XOXO!
Judy

Kelli said...

I have all those worries with entertaining, but it's so worth it. You do a great job...I can already tell. I want to come over and I'm just watching through a computer screen...I can only imagine the joy people feel who are actually there! I love Madison's joy for cooking...priceless. I love those bowls...and now I want some grapes.

Katherine @ Grass Stains said...

I don't have a great idea for making squash not be soggy. However, I DO have a life-changing recipe for Squash Muffins. I am telling you, Paige: THESE MUFFINS WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE. I posted about them recently, here: http://katandgray.blogspot.com/2011/03/squash-muffins-alternative-title-why.html . They are some of the best muffins I've ever had in my whole life. :)

Unknown said...

Paige,

Could you roast the squash? I roast must my vegetable and they never get soggy. Toss squash with a little evoo, sprinkle some kosher salt and roast at 425 to correct doneness.
Looks like you some other good options too.
xo~Jill

Mary said...

What a great post - love the art at the top, love all the awesome pictures...I am now hungry! I feel the same way about entertaining.

Cynthia@ Beach Coast Style said...

I've got one for you Paige my dad makes this and he just kinda tosses it all together

Slice potatoes
Squash
Onions
Bell Peppers
Tomatoes
Place on a cookie sheet in foil toss with a little salt pepper a bit of olive oil and a little apple juice he bakes at 350 until all items are cooked softely

it's sooo good he makes it each time we go to visit and we eat it all up.

Lolo @ The Adventures of Stig and Lolo said...

I love all the color that is in your kitchen! You could probably have bread and water at a party and everyone would have a blast :) Sometimes I feel nervous too...until the conversations start flowing and the laughter is non stop!
Squash...yum. I dont care if its soggy - its so stinkin good! I have a squash/zucchini lasagna recipe that is super yummy if you are interested ;)
XOX

i love mushy squash said...

too funny!

Stephanie said...

I love this...My kitchen floors are chronically sticky just from tiny ones constantly eating fruit. I mop constantly. They'll be clean one day, I suppose!

Oh, P.S. My favorite way to cook yellow squash is on the grill...Keep them small and slice lengthwise. Brush with evoo. Salt/pepper. Grill till they are the "doneness" you like.

Charlotte said...

I loved the pioneer woman's book. I couldn't put it down. It will not disappoint!

Kat said...

Girlfriend, you are a domestic goddess!!! All of that looks totally delish!

Anonymous said...

I love the sign and Ree Drummond's cookbook is awesome..Have a great week..
P.S. Sorry no recipe here for yellow squash because no-one in my house will eat it..LOL
Janet

Shannan Martin said...

If I were closer, I'd be all up in your kitchen bidness. That food of yours looks amazing!

Privet and Holly said...

I was seriously
lusting over your
jam....saw it on
Kat's blog a while
back....That's still
in our future....a
few weeks out! Yay
for sticky floors
and happy kids!
xx Suzanne

Jodi said...

I wish Beka would spend more time in the kitchen, the only time I see her in there is when she is looking for snacks(wait I take that back...she made jello today!). I love tilapia, will have to get your recipe sometime!

I feel the same about having people over for dinner and parties. I am sure they probably think I am the snotty woman on the block who never invites people over, but for real I have the same fears.

P.S. I have the Pioneer Woman on reserve at the library, can't wait to get it! Oh, and do you like the greek yogurt? I have been wanting to try it, but haven't yet.
Take care!
Jodi

Marci @All Things Wonderful said...

Hi! I don't have any fancy tricks for squash! But, I love it.
I am in between books and can't find a good read. I instantly thought of you. Help! I just need a recommendation or two...