Saturday, September 10, 2011

Bar Flare


This elaborate and ecological bar display was the brain child of Island View Catering. A full bar with several hand crafted local beers on tap. Not only were the beers handcrafted, but the father of the groom built the tap stand. Their signature cocktail the colorful habinero, basil gin conncoction they titled "Buddah's Delight". This wedding had almost 250 guests and to save on costs and be more eco friendly they posted a sign that said, "Save your glass and save the planet".

Tweet Tweet

Who doesn't love bird houses? A different little spin on packaging bridesmaids jewelry. Instead of a typical jewelry box why not personalize each gift. After all the ladies standing up for you are the most important in your life. Each house was painted to match the personality of the bridesmaid and then the jewelry was placed in a silk bag inside the opening. The bride shared a story about each bridesmaid when she handed out the gifts. To top it of the gift tag read, "Tweet tweet thanks for being so sweet".

Friday, September 9, 2011

Fried Green Tomatoes

This year my tomato plant went absolutely nuts. I am so happy to have a piece of earth to call my own in Los Angeles. My urban garden is 6X12' raised bed that my husband built for me. My tomato plants took over the garden then the eight foot wall and then the 12 foot lattice only to attempt to conquer my neighbors tree. So what to do with all the tomatoes? I have made sauces galore, bruschetta is a nightly occurrence and of course fried green tomatoes.

The most important aspect of making fried green tomatoes is after slicing them place them on a cooling rack with a paper towel to dry before frying.

Did I mention my 3 year old chocolate lab, Troubles, likes to pick tomatoes. She doesn't eat them, but instead very gingerly places them on the doorstep. My label for this years sauce is called "The Troubled Tomato" with her picture on it.

Did you know the average American eats 22lbs of tomatoes a year? To find out more tomato facts and how to prepare and buy the freshest tomato check out:

http://whatscookingamerica.net/tomato.htm