Saturday, January 2, 2010

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year one and all!


I hope the new year finds everyone comfortable, safe and secure. Oh, and WARM!

The January issues of a few of my favorite magazines have made their appearance and here is a brief roundup in no particular order!

Martha Stewart Living


A friend once told me that I like to pretend that I'm Martha Stewart! Well what's wrong with gracious living I said! It doesn't matter that I am NOT the world's greatest housekeeper, I strive to be and in my head I AM! Say what you will about Martha but she has single handedly influenced how we eat, entertain, and decorate our homes and gardens. She has elevated the domestic arts to higher heights than even Heloise did.

Here's a tip from Martha: “Refrigerate salad plates for an hour before setting the table. The chilled dishes will keep greens and vegetables crisp.” Now, as much as I do adore Martha, and that little tidbit does make sense, I admit I will probably never do that!

O, The Oprah Magazine


What is wrong with this picture? Is it just me or does Oprah look a little odd, like this is airbrushing at its worst? That aside, there are some interesting articles in this January issue. Here is one on New Year resolutions. I was never one for making a New Year's resolution but this year I have decided to focus on simplicity and living life in the moment and deliberately. I have come to that decision after reading recent posts from two of my favorite bloggers, Anita at Castles Crowns and Cottages and Ruben at Rattus Sribbus. Anita and Ruben are Mr. & Mrs. by the way!


Country Living


Here is a little bit of trivia I found in this month's issue of Country Living, and I quote: Sure, Sir Isaac Newton defined the law of gravity-but he also invented the first known kitty door! Now I love that, an egghead with both feet planted in the every day. This featured tidbit was taken from the book Bubble Gum and Hula Hoops by Harry Oliver. I do have a subscription to this magazine but if I didn't, the picture of that adorable dog on the cover would be worth the price of a single copy!


InStyle

Whitney's on a comeback and is this month's covergirl! The six-time Grammy Award winner opens up about being a sex symbol at age 46 and raising her daughter, Bobbi Kristina. Whitney reveals how she bounced back from the brink and says she is happy, healthy and ready for what's around the corner.

P.S. Clear baubles and eye popping prints are on the Spring fashion horizon!


Sunset


The focus of Sunset magazine is on travel, home design, outdoor living and recipes and menus that celebrate the 13 Western states. My mother used to subscribe to this wonderful magazine and tried many a recipe and decorating idea with great results. One Sunday, she invited a few family members to the house to debut a new recipe from the magazine, it was Cioppino. It was outstanding and I have been a fan of this seafood "stew" ever since.

Following is a recipe for Posole (pictured above). I was first introduced to Posole when I arrived in San Diego back in 2000. It was on the cafeteria menu at work and I instantly fell in love with it. At work it was made with pork instead of chicken. I think what I like most about this dish are all the condiments you can add...lime wedges, cabbage, cilantro, radish, etc. to make it your own. Every bowl is basically the same and yet individual and unique. I thought I would share the following recipe that I found in the latest issue of Sunset. I haven't tried it yet but believe me I intend to.


Speedy Chicken Posole with Avocado and Lime

3 large poblano chiles (1 lb. total)
6 garlic cloves
1 large onion
2 cans (14 1/2 oz. each) white hominy
1 1/2 pounds boned, skinned chicken thighs
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano*, divided
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons ground red New Mexico chiles*

Garnishes: sliced avocado, lime wedges, cilantro sprigs, and sour cream

1. Preheat broiler. When hot, broil poblanos on a baking sheet until blackened, turning as needed, about 15 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, in a food processor, whirl garlic to mince. Cut onion in chunks and pulse with garlic until chopped; set aside. Drain hominy; set aside.

3. Cut chicken into 1- to 1 1/2-in. chunks and sprinkle with salt and 1 tsp. oregano. Heat oil in a 5- to 6-qt. pan over high heat. Brown half the chicken lightly, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer meat to a plate. Repeat with remaining chicken.

4. Reduce heat to medium-high. Add onion mixture and remaining 1 tsp. oregano to pan and sauté until onion is softened, 3 minutes. Meanwhile, in a microwave-safe bowl, microwave broth until steaming, about 3 minutes. Add ground chiles to pan and cook, stirring, about 30 seconds.

5. Add broth, hominy, and chicken to pan. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer to blend flavors, 10 minutes.

6. Remove stems, skins, and seeds from poblanos and discard; chop poblanos.

7. Stir poblanos into posole and cook 1 minute. Ladle into bowls; top with garnishes.


*Find Mexican oregano at well-stocked grocery stores, along with ground red New Mexico chiles



This all sounds yummy to me and is sure to warm body and soul on a cold winter's night!

Adios!






14 comments:

  1. This sounds delicious. We have a little Mexican restaurant around the corner that makes something very similar, but I think they use pork in theirs also. And anything that has avocado and lime as a garnish has to be great! Thanks for sharing the recipe. Kathy

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  2. Holy cow Bonnie....how did I miss this post? WOW....YOU ARE REALLY A WONDERFUL WRITER. Oh dear, if I had a magazine or a newspaper, I would hire you in a hot minute to be a reporter, and editoral writer, something! I love Martha Stewart! I eat spinach sautéed in olive oil and garlic because of her!!! And I thank you for mentioning us on this post! You are too much. All the wonderful recipes...cioppino, posole, are all part of my heritage. Dearest one, how are you? I had to leave my email message to you abruptly yesterday; our guests were arriving. It was nice, but they are college students and I am not sure they liked my cooking!! It was nice, however. Like always, keep me in the loop...hopefully that adminstrater will make a decision and call you THIS WEEK! A bientôt ma chère amie, Anita

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  3. Hi Bonnie,

    There are so many wonderful blogs but not enough time, I hear ya.
    The recipe sounds delish, I will add it to my list.

    My son had a wonderful birthday. I am very fortunate that the smallest things make him happy.
    Grandma x4- is still walking on air.

    big hugs and Happy New Year,

    Barb

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  4. Hi there-what a delicious recipe!! Very inspirational new year resolutions too!! Thanks so much for your lovely comments and wishing you a great Sunday!!

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  5. Bonnie,

    What a fun post! I am a magazine addict but I indulge in a select few (if I let myself go I would have way too many magazine subscriptions and no where to put them:). I love everything Martha Stewart does and I agree that although I may not do everything that she recommends I love all of her wonderful ideas. My favorite magazines are Victorian Homes, Victoria, and Old House Interiors. I love to sit with a cup of tea wrapped in a warm blanket and read them from cover to cover. Of course, today is a great day to do such a thing since it is in the low 30's outside-very unusual for us in the Lowcountry. Thanks for sharing the recipe-it sounds yummy!

    Blessings,

    Kim

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  6. Bonnie, what a fun review to start off the New Year. I adore Martha and all that she does. My favorite magazines are Tradition Home, La Vie Claire, and Victoria. Have to admit though, since I discovered all the fabulous blogs in Blogville that magazines don't get much of my attention these days. Thanks for the visit. I so enjoy my visits to Diamonds & Daisies.
    Happy New Year to you! ~ Sarah

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  7. Tee Hee Hee! You came by for some PINK ACTION! Those two turned the MOA upside down! More to come....I am working on the Tea Rat and Rattus. Having way too much fun here...

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  8. Oh you saw the two friends encounter SS! More is brewing....

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  9. Great mags, I think Country Living is my fave! So glad you came by, I am always trying to get caught up on all the blogs I follow, but I never quite seem to. Love your writing, Cindy

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  10. Hi Bonnie:) I love these mags! The only one I don't read is sunset as I had not heard of it (being Australian...). Thanks for sharing this recipe, I am off to get my measurment conversions and give it a try:) Thanks so much for visiting my blog and your lovely comment. I look forward to following your wonderful blog in 2010!! Have a lovely day - Tina :)

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  11. Dear Bonnie
    Very well written review of these magazines (with great pictures). I can't help but look at Martha Stewart and not see the comic renditions of her from Saturday Night Live, or think of her stock market fiasco. But she keeps on ticking and is the undisputed queen of, well, anything having to do with home style, decor and entertaining.

    I was humbled to be included in your post. I hope you're staying warm. Here it's a balmy 5 degrees tonight.
    Blessings,
    Ruben

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  12. Hi Bonnie,
    Just catching up after taking a break.
    Hope you had a wonderful Christmas.
    Look forward to more posts.
    Hugs,
    Sandi x

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  13. FUN to flip through magazines... ooooh and to find a good recipe too... what a bonus!

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  14. Hi Bonnie! I love reading your magazine reviews! One day I will own one and have my airbrushed self on the cover every issue,too! lol Your recipe sounds yummy! I have never heard of that dish! I am running years behind in my blogging! I hope you are having a great weekend...hugs...Debbie
    PS Regards to your fur babies from my staff!

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