Pancake Bar and Citrus Pancakes

The story behind these photos goes like this. Girl meets Boy.  Girl and Boy have first date over a pancake meal. Girl and Boy decide to get married and have a "Breakfast at Sunset" themed wedding that included a pancake bar.  Pancake Bar = fun brunch idea to steal borrow someday.  Just add different types of syrup, fresh fruit, fresh squeezed orange juice and mimosa's and viola you have yourself an instant breakfast brunch. Talk about a great way to start the day!

I want to go a step further and try a new recipe. Citrus Pancakes sound like yummy goodness plus they also seem easy to make.  If you try them before I do please let me know how they turn out. I hope they are delicious.

Citrus Pancakes

Makes 12, 4-inch pancakes

3 cups pancake batter of your choice
Zest of 2 lemons, 2 limes, or 1 orange (your choice depending on the type of pancakes you want)
2/3 fresh whole milk-ricotta cheese
Peanut oil (for the griddle)
Butter (for griddle and serving)
Warm Grade B Maple Syrup (for serving)*

* Who knew there were different grades of maple syrup? Grade B is a dark syrup. Apparently there is a rating system!

Preparation
1. Stir the pancake batter and zest together in a bowl.
2. Ever so gently fold in the ricotta cheese.  Take care not to destroy its texture.
3. Prepare the griddle.
4. Drop the pancake batter on the griddle according to the instructions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until bubbles appear on almost the entire surface of the pancakes.
5. Turn and very gently tap the pancakes with a metal spatula to make them uniform in thickness.
6. Cook until second side is golden, about 2 minutes, and serve on A-side up.
7. Enjoy your delicious goodness! (I added this one...)

Photos via Green Wedding Shoes; Recipe via Epicurious from the book Eat Me by Kenny Shopsin. Recipe renamed by Mrs. B.

Table Top Idea

As someone who loves photography there is no way I could pass up posting this great tabletop idea. What a great way to incorporate your pictures: make a table runner out of them! I can already imagine the great conversation around the table as a result of something as simple as this. Note to self....do this for the next gathering.....

photos via Oh So Beautiful Paper

A Life of Style with Rebecca Moses

Fashion designer Rebecca Moses has come back to the United States after spending many years in Italy. Her return is marked with the release of  her first book "A Life of Style" and new collection for her fashion line Heart Soul Style.

I just received the new book entitled "A Life of Style" when lo and behold the October issue of House Beautiful arrived on my doorstep.  Talk about perfect timing!  House Beautiful did a wonderful 4 page spread featuring the new book.  If I had not already seen the book the magazine article alone would have made me run out to buy it.

Each page of A Life of Style is wonderfully illustrated with Rebecca's own whimsical watercolors featuring topics such as fashion, home, and entertaining.  The book is light-hearted but is meant to inspire.  Rebecca takes you on a voyage of her own style journey while encouraging you to find your own. 

In the chapter entitled "What Defines a Home" Rebecca Moses states:

"Some people say home is where the heart is.  I say home is where there is heart, soul, and style."

Rebecca asks the question, "Are you a Desk-Setter?" and identifies the various types of writing spaces. I am not quite sure if I fall into any of these categories. Maybe you can figure it out for me. Hmmmm....sounds like a hint to an upcoming post, perhaps?

Rebecca Moses incorporated a fairy tale backdrop featuring oversized books and her fanciful drawings at Fashion Week in New York last week.  This marks the debut of her Spring 2011 ready to wear line. 

I love the look of the Fall 2010 advertising campaign.

The Heart Soul Style home collection.

Book photos via HSN and Mrs. B; Fashion Week photos via WWD; Advertisements and tabletop photos via Rebecca Moses twitter.

Happy Friday - Random Photo of the Day

With thoughts of Fall approaching it conjurs up images of fabulous feasts and family gatherings.  Obviously a big part of that is setting the table.  Mr. B and I have this beautiful set of neo-classical silverware reserved for special occassions.  But maybe we should pull the good stuff out and enjoy it everyday.  Do you use your good stuff every day or only on special occassions?

Bottega Veneta: Let them dress your nest

Bottega Veneta is one of my favorites for leather goods.  And if money were no object,  I would have Bottega Veneta dress my nest. Or at least my tabletop.  Here are a few images from the Fall/Winter 2010/11 catalog.

A few years back, Bottega Veneta collaborated with German porcelain manufacturer Koenigliche Porzellan-Manufaktur, also know as KPM. 

"Every piece is shaped by hand and meticulously hand-painted with a border inspired by Bottega Veneta's signature intrecciato weave. This year, Bottega Veneta and KPM have expanded the collection, adding new items including breakfast settings with complete coffee and tea services. Deep bowls have also been added to enhance the functionality of the line." - via Bottega Veneta.

Although the following two pictures are not food or dining related I had a hard time not including them because I thought they were just so fabulous.  They have an urban but slightly masculine feel which I am particularly drawn to these days.