Smart Women Crave Good Company by Anne Farnum July 29, 2013 by Geoff Bevington Leave a Comment Last month I hosted Card Club…60’s theme. What screams vintage 60’s more than my Smart Women tray and coasters? Why, nothing at all! The Smart Women Company, “Wants women to know that the things we do make a difference. By living and breathing our politics and convictions on a daily basis, (whether we’re running errands, running the office, or running FOR office) Smart Women change the world every day.” How perfect is that? Smart Women products are my go-to hostess gift. They are suitable for every occasion and for women of all ages. They are affordable, fun and unforgettable! And proceeds from the tray go to the Boys and Girls Club of America! My tray and coaster supply sit permanently on my dining room buffet with my vintage-inspired cocktail glasses and they put a smile on my face every time I walk by. Card night was a huge success. As the ten of us sat around my dining room table for four hours, playing six hands of cards, we put the worries of the day behind us. For one evening some forgot about sick parents, others about work, children’s activities and overall day-to-day responsibilities. In the spirit of Smart Women, we drank, ate, laughed and shared. And in the end, we realized that we really are a bunch of smart women who do so much every day and who need a break once in a while just to have fun, celebrate and enjoy each other and all of the amazing things we do. Thanks, Smart Women! Next month’s card club theme…the 70’s. Groovy, baby!
The Perfect Registry by Dana Williams June 10, 2013 by Geoff Bevington Leave a Comment A successful gift registry program is a very important component in the success of any great kitchen and tabletop store. The gift registry at Marcel’s launched shortly after our opening in September 2011. Since then, many couples have come in, walked the floor with one of our staff and item by item, created the registry of their dreams. In the ensuing months, before their big event, family and friends stop in to select gifts for the registrants and we all love not only helping them pick out the perfect thing, but getting to know them as well! [Read more…] about The Perfect Registry by Dana Williams
Cream of Tomato Soup April 29, 2013 by Geoff Bevington Cream of Tomato Soup 2013-05-23 16:13:25 Serves 16 Served at the 2012 holiday walk Print Ingredients 4 T. butter 2 onions, small dice 3 stalks celery, small dice 3 carrots, small dice 2 garlic cloves 4 T. flour 48 oz. vegetable stock 2 lbs. fresh or canned whole tomatoes, not drained 24 oz. crushed tomatoes 8 oz. heavy cream Instructions • To a large stock pot, add butter • Sweat onions, celery, and carrots over medium high heat until they are tender but not browned, about 8-10 minutes. Salt and pepper • Add garlic and cook for an additional minute or two • Add flour, cook, stirring frequently making a blonde roux, about 6-8 minutes • Add the stock and blend well • Add the tomatoes and the crushed tomatoes • Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 30-40 minutes • Using an immersion blender, blend soup until smooth • Simmer an additional 15 minutes or so • Add cream and simmer until flavors have melded • Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary By Jill Foucre Adapted from The Professional Chef, The Culinary Institute of America 8th Addition Adapted from The Professional Chef, The Culinary Institute of America 8th Addition Marcel's Culinary Experience https://www.marcelsculinaryexperience.com/
Jill’s Baked Artichokes & Mushrooms April 29, 2013 by Geoff Bevington Jill's Baked Artichokes & Mushrooms 2013-05-30 16:08:10 Print Ingredients ½ cup butter 1 clove minced garlic 1 pound mushrooms, sliced 2 cups quartered artichoke hearts 2 Tablespoons lemon juice ½ teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon basil 1 teaspoon salt Ground pepper ½ cup grated parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons bread crumbs Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter 1.5 quart casserole. Melt butter in large skillet. Saute garlic & mushrooms, 5 minutes. Add lemon juice. Add artichoke hearts. Cook 5 minutes longer. Add oregano, basil, salt, & pepper. Cook 1 minute Pour into casserole. Sprinkle with a mixture of cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake 25 – 30 minutes. By Jill Foucre Marcel's Culinary Experience https://www.marcelsculinaryexperience.com/
Jill’s Spicy Mussels in White Wine April 29, 2013 by Geoff Bevington Spicy Mussels in White Wine 2013-05-30 16:09:53 Serves 6 Print Ingredients 1/3 cup olive oil 1/2 onion, thinly sliced 4 large garlic cloves, chopped 2 teaspoons fennel seeds 1 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 1/4-inch thick lemon slices 1 cup dry white wine 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley 2 1/2 pounds fresh mussels, scrubbed, debearded 1/2 cup chopped seeded tomatoes Instructions Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, fennel seeds, crushed red pepper and salt; sauté until onion is light brown, about 4 minutes. Add wine, lemon slices and 1/4 cup parsley; bring to boil. Add mussels. Cover pot and cook until mussel shells open, stirring once to rearrange mussels, about 6 minutes; discard any mussels that do not open. Using slotted spoon, transfer mussels to large shallow bowl. Boil broth until reduced to 1 cup, about 3 minutes; season to taste with pepper. Pour broth over mussels. Sprinkle tomatoes and remaining parsley over. Notes 6 Appetizer servings By Jill Foucré Marcel's Culinary Experience https://www.marcelsculinaryexperience.com/