Showing posts with label Mountains. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mountains. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Dreaming....a stone cabin and hot apple cider

I grew up thinking of snow as a luxury you visit. -John Landis

I fell in love with this cozy stone cabin in the mountains. Doesn't it look like a story book vacation retreat? The only thing I would change is the color of the door. I would paint it red.....
This picture automatically made me think of drinking hot cider in front of the roaring stone fireplace while snuggled under a nice warm blanket. Ahhhh.....


Hot Apple Cider

Ingredients (serves 6)
6 cups apple cider
1/4 cup real maple syrup
2 cinnamon sticks
6 whole cloves
6 whole allspice berries
1 orange peel, cut into strips
1 lemon peel, cut into strips

Directions
1.  Pour the apple cider and maple syrup into a large stainless steel saucepan.

2.  Place the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, orange peel and lemon peel in the center of a square of cheesecloth; fold up the sides of the cheesecloth to enclose the bundle, then tie it up with a length of kitchen string. Or better yet, use a cheesecloth bag.  Drop the spice bundle into the cider mixture.

3.  Place the saucepan over moderate heat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cider is very hot but not boiling.

4.  Remove the cider from the heat. Discard the spice bundle. Ladle the cider into big cups or mugs, adding a fresh cinnamon stick to each serving, if desired.
 
Enjoy!
 
Recipe from here - check out the reviews for this recipe and variations.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Happy Fall

Today is officially the first day of Fall. And I couldn't be more excited. Fall means pulling out the sweaters, drinking hot cider, and snuggling...to name a few! I only wish I lived in an area that experiences true seasons. Here in Los Angeles they just sort of blend together. 

In early October I will be heading up to the mountains for an extended weekend trip with my girl pals.  It has turned into an annual ritual that I look forward to each year. I always have such a good time just handing out with the girls.  No husbands or kids allowed! With the mountains on my mind I though I would share a couple of fabulous retreats. From mountain chic to casual comfort, I have each style covered. Which do you gravitate to?

Mountain Chic.
Interior Design by Kullman & Kravis

Casual Comfort.
Interior Design by Mimi London

Photography by David O. Marlo for Architectural Digest.