Pick-A-Flower

Fabulous idea from my wedding this past weekend...the florist provided a tray filled with cut flowers, pins and ribbons for guests to choose their own special adornment.  This was made available to guests as they arrived for the ceremony and gave them something to do as they sipped on a glass of wine, waiting for the ceremony to begin.  I was surprised at how many men really took the time to select a flower that best coordinated with their suit or tie. This is an easy way to make your guests feel special and that you appreciate the effort it may have taken for them to come celebrate with you.
xo
Amy

The Perfect Space

After 12 years in our home, our patio is finally finished and what a fabulous spot for entertaining it has become.  We have hosted many gatherings and while it wasn't perfect, it still was always a lot of fun. However now it has truly become an extension of our house, another room and one that we are finding ourselves in morning, noon and night.  We are very lucky here in the wine country that the weather allows us to be outside almost 9 months a year.  I know not everywhere that is the case, but I still urge you to create a little oasis, a private respite from the outside world where you can simply be with your family and friends under the sun and stars.
xo
Amy

My New Favorite Pasta

As many of you know, I love to cook but I sometimes find it a challenge to come up with recipes that will appeal to my whole family...Grace in particular.  However this is a definite winner....if you like the classic combo of melon and prosciutto, you will love this recipe.  Perfect with a glass of rose bubbles!

Enjoy.

xo,

Amy

Pasta Salad with Melon, Pancetta, and Ricotta Salata

4 servings

•    active: 30 minutes

•    total: 30 minutes

Recipe by Soa Davies

Photograph by Romulo Yanes

Bon Appetit, August 2012

            


Ingredients

•    2 ounces thinly sliced pancetta (Italian bacon)

•    4 ounces orecchiette (ear-shaped pasta)

•    Kosher salt

•    3 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

•    2 1/2 tablespoons Champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar

•    2 cups 1x1x1/4" pieces peeled melon (any variety)

•    1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh mint, divided

•    3 tablespoons thinly sliced scallion

•    Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

•    Freshly ground black pepper

•    1 ounce ricotta salata (salted dry ricotta), shaved, or crumbled feta

Preparation

            ~ Heat oven to 350°. Arrange pancetta in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake    until brown and crisp, 20–25 minutes. (Alternatively, place pancetta on folded layers of paper towels on a microwave-proof plate and microwave on high until brown and crisp, about 5 minutes.) Let pancetta stand until cool enough to handle, then break into bite-size pieces.

            ~ Meanwhile, cook pasta in a medium pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain pasta; run under cold water to cool. Drain and set aside.

            ~ Whisk oil and vinegar in a large bowl. Add half of pancetta, cooked pasta, melon, half of mint, scallion, and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle remaining pancetta and mint over. Garnish with shaved ricotta salata

Nutritional information


One serving contains:

•    Calories (kcal) 320

•    Fat (g) 20

•    Saturated Fat (g) 5

•    Cholesterol (mg) 15

•    Carbohydrates (g) 29

•    Dietary Fiber (g) 2

•    Total Sugars (g) 7

•    Protein (g) 8

•    Sodium (mg) 320

The Dress

I had a phenomenal wedding the other weekend at Chalk Hill Winery. Everything was perfect....amazing clients, excellent vendors, gorgeous location, exquisite weather and then when I thought it couldn't get any better, the bride walked out.  Now, I have seen a lot of wedding dresses over the years but this is probably the most take your breath away dress I have ever seen....she was stunning.
xo,
Amy

Alexander Valley Vineyards Wedding

I had a fabulous wedding yesterday at Alexander Valley Vineyards.  The wedding took place at the beautiful private residence of the owners as it was their only daughter's wedding. 200 guests took in the amazing (and I mean amazing) views of the surrounding vineyards as they enjoyed a gorgeous family style dinner.

Probably my favorite aspect though was the communal effort that went into the 50+ centerpieces for the  farm tables.  The family was able to grow the majority of the flowers on the property and family, friends and neighbors worked together the day before to make all of the centerpieces.  Normally I don't think it is the best idea to do one's own flowers because of the work involved but this turned out differently.  It became an opportunity for a community to come together and create something beautiful for the celebration.  In the words of the bride's brother, "We are blessed, may it continue forever."

Love Sonoma County

We spent another glorious day at Redwood Hill Farm this past Sunday. They are only open to the public 4 times a year which is a good thing because we would probably be there every other weekend if we could. They let you get up close and personal with the goats....from the babies to the mommas.  As usual we had a delicious picnic with some quiche, baguette, goat cheese, salad and some vino verde...my favorite!

Just a perfect example of why Sonoma County is the most fabulous place there is!
xo
Amy

Style Me Pretty

I am thrilled to share with you Amy & Tony's amazing wedding that is being featured on Style Me Pretty:
http://www.stylemepretty.com/2012/05/25/calistoga-ranch-wedding-by-sabine-scherer-photography/

Amy & Tony were fabulous to work with and their wedding last September at Calistoga Ranch was beautiful.  She looked simply stunning.
xo
Amy