Spraying out a lamp and a curio On an antique hunt, I found a vintage lamp and curio that I fell in love with, but wanted a more contemporary feel for both pieces so I set out to transform them. I love repurposing and transforming pieces into something I can incorporate into my decor. For the vintage lamp, I used a high gloss white spray paint to make the gilded brass more chic.
The curio I found has beautiful architectural lines, but was stained in a mahogany, which was dated. To transform the curio, I hired Wayne Mar of Interior Environment to professionally spray it in a high glossed red. To complete the look of the curio, I filled it with my favorite objects d'art and inspirational design magazines and books. 3 dishes/20 minutes/under $20 My task was to make three dishes in twenty minutes for under $20. To accomplish this I visited Chef Mike Horri at his restaurant located on lower Queen Ann.
Mike has a unique approach that makes dining at his restaurant a refreshing and delicious experience. He's known for his spontaneous and creative approach to dining with no menus taking his cue on what you don't like to eat. His personal touch makes for an unforgettable dining experience.Bring a Tabletop to Life for $30 I love Goodwill because they believe in the potential of individuals to make positive changes in their lives and because it's a mecca of used treasures you can give new life. I always look for a monotone color palette since coordinating items makes them look higher end.
I found a remnant of black hounds tooth to create the tablecloth and a linen remnant for the napkins. I sprayed wicker chargers black to go with my color palette and for some glamour and shine I used silver serving plates.
Then with all of the darker tones, I needed something to pop on the tablscape so I included a bouquet of beautiful flowers from
Sausage Arbiata
(Dinner for 2)
5 oz bulk hot Italian sausage
1 small white onion ( sliced)
3 oz sliced mushrooms
10 oz white cooking wine (it can be any dry white, cooking wine is cheaper)
2 oz grated Parmesan cheese
Salt ,pepper & crushed chili to your taste (this dish is supposed to be a little hot)
1/2 teaspoon of dry oregano & basil
8 oz tomato sauce
2 Roma tomatoes chopped
Small table spoon of chopped fresh garlic
6 oz cooked spaghettiDirections:
Heat olive oil in pan, sauté onion, add sausage, brown sausage , add garlic, fresh tomato, herbs, salt, pepper and mushrooms. Sauté, add the wine and tomato, cook for 4 for minutes, then add the pasta.
Chicken Marsala
(Dinner for 2)
4 oz chicken breast
1 tablespoon of ricotta cheese, golden raisins, shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 oz chopped spinach
1/4 tablespoon of salt & pepper
1/4 tablespoon fresh oregano & basil
1 oz heavy cream
8 oz sweet Marsala
2 oz chopped sundried tomatoes
2 oz sliced mushrooms
4 oz vegetable oil
1 oz olive oil
1 oz pine nuts
Directions:
Flatten chicken breasts, mix spinach, cheese, raisins, pine nuts, a pinch of the salt & pepper, spread this mixture over the flat chicken, then roll the chicken, heat a small pan with oil, then flour the rolled chicken, sauté in the oil until chicken is brown.
Heat another small pan with the olive oil, add mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, herbs, salt & pepper, and garlic. Add the browned chicken, then add Marsala. Let the Marsala reduce on medium heat, add cream and reduce a little more.
Chicken lemon dill sauce (for 2)
2 oz sliced red pepper
2 oz sliced green pepper
1 oz chopped fresh dill
8 oz heavy cream
Salt & pepper to taste
1/2 fresh lemon
2 oz can artichoke hearts
1 oz olive oil
Directions:
Heat up the oil, add peppers, artichoke, dill, salt & pepper. Cook for 4 minutes, then add cream, and reduce about half way, then squeeze the lemon into that. Add cooked penne pasta or tortellini to that and let sit for 5 minutes. You can also add pan-fried chicken breast or sausage to this dish.
