Friday, July 30, 2010

Ch Ch Changes...

I'm sure you're aware if you're reading this...but I made some changes to Lots to Ladle. Blogger has been making plenty of tweaks and I'm very happy about most of them! They actually made it a lot easier to upload videos so maybe I'll incoporate some videos from the kitchen? Maybe...just maybe??  Now back to the current changes: 

1. There's a new look! What do you think?
2. There's a 'search box' in the upper right corner to help you search for what you're looking for on Lots to Ladle
3.  At the end of every post there are share buttons, which make it really easy to email, tweet, and/or blog anything you'd like to share!  

I hope these changes make your experience on Lots to Ladle a lot more enjoyable!

xoxo,
Lynn

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

A note from me to you!

OK so here's the deal my lovely Lots to Ladle readers (again, all 3 of you), there's actually a lot going on. (After this post I'll be able to see how many of you there are; I hope you respond or else goodbye lots to ladle...I'm kidding but I would like to hear from you!)

First, I'd like to apologize for my lack in posts recently. I know many of you wake up every day, turn on your computer, check my blog, and curse me out for my lack of posting. Well I can explain, my camera broke! I've been cooking and baking a lot actually, just haven't been documenting my meals. Rick Peil...oh I mean Nadya isn't always around or is just too hungry to 'waste time and take pictures'. Trust me I have tried to use the SLR a time or two but I'm just not that good at it. So forgive me for any bad pictures, more likely than not I took them!

OK moving on...Now here's the news I'm excited about....I'm renovating my kitchen! Yes, this means more counter space, more cooking, more baking, and more blogging! If everything goes as planned, things should get started in 2 weeks (fingers crossed). I'll keep you posted on the whole process!

Here's where YOU come in. Yes, you!  While my kitchen is under construction, it will be hard for me to be creative in the kitchen. So I'm looking for some guest bloggers. Yep, that's right, you heard me...guest bloggers! Who's in?? Comment on this post and let me know if you're interested in guest blogging and I'll make the arrangements! I look forward to hearing from you!

xoxo,
Lynn

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Summer Tea Series: Part 2 Arnold Palmer

 Yet again, another edition of the Summer Tea Series! How exciting? I searched high and low for a good recipe for one of my favorite drinks, Arnold Palmer, and I hate to say it but this recipe isn't 'the one'. Maybe I'll try out another recipe and do a post called 'Part 2 of Part 2'? Just a thought...

Anyway, back to the drink. Some call this drink 'half and half' because it's half lemonade and half iced tea. I call it an Arnold Palmer, named after the famous golfer (although I really don't get the connection, anyone?).

I'm a big fan of my iced tea so that part of the drink was perfect but the lemonade portion of the drink was just 'so so'. It was a little too pulpy for me even after spending some time in the blender. I like the concept of scooping the frozen lemonade into the iced tea but I think I'd rather have it all mixed together prior to pouring it into my glass.

The Tyler Florence recipe can be found here. Maybe you'll have better luck. I'll report back on my second attempt! 

Arugula Salad with Almonds and Parmesan


I don't know if I mentioned this before or not BUT arugula is one of my favorite greens. I came across this recipe while reading a recent edition of  Everyday Food. This simple salad is perfect for a light meal or a great start to a larger meal. Although there's not much in this salad, it still has so much flavor and is actually quite filling! Grilled Chicken would be a great addition.

 YUM!!
Ingredients
1/3 cup toasted natural almonds
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 bunch arugula (1/2 pound), trimmed
1/3 cup shaved Parmesan (1 ounce), plus more for serving

In a large bowl, combine almonds, oil, lemon juice, and vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Add arugula and Parmesan and toss to coat. Serve topped with more Parmesan.