Flower Friday about our first bundle of tulips of the year from the Pike Place Market. I walked all the flower stalls in search of our beloved blooms, finding one vendor who was brimming with buckets filled with them. Did an arrangement for the dining table and had one left over, which lives on the bookcase in a bulbous Baccarat single stem vase that always makes me swoon with a stem in it. Went with the Veuve-y Hermes-y orange that is a personal favorite any time of the year. Thought they were a perfect way to kickoff the start of the tulip season! Happy February weekend everyone. —Ted
Our February Watson Kennedy Care Packages are all lovingly assembled and ready to make someone’s day. While these have a Valentine’s Day vibe to them, think they also work really any time of the year. I love pink and red together. Such a happy combo!
Wine & Dine Wednesday brings a sheet pan chicken dish I made for us the other evening at WestWard. It was feeling quite wintery—it snowed a bit out on the island and in town. Just know this meal is hearty. The bacon strewn about takes it to a whole different level as it infuses everything on the sheet pan. The apples add a sweetness that is just lovely. The croutons become beautifully browned and caramelized. Perfect on a chilly night. Easily doubled or tripled for a larger gathering.
* small sourdough baguette, cut into 2-inch pieces
* 1/2 pound bacon, cut into 2 inch lengths
* 1 large baking potato—scrubbed, halved crosswise and cut into 6 wedges
* 1 large red onion, cut into quarters
* 2 apples, peeled and cut into quarters, with the seeds and core discarded
* 4 oregano sprigs
* 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
* salt and pepper
* 4 to 6 chicken thighs, skin on or off, you decide
Preheat the oven to 400°. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the bread, bacon, potato, onion, apples, oregano with the olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Spread in an even layer. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and arrange into the mixture.
Roast all for 40 to 45 minutes, until the bread is golden and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the chicken registers 160°. I like to turn things mid-way so everything browns evenly. Sooooooo good! Enjoy.
The light was streaming in ever so beautifully this afternoon through the big First Avenue windows. It stopped me in my tracks. A reminder to me to always be on the look out for those moments of beauty, even the fleeting ones.
A favorite chair can be a spot of relaxation, reflection or time to catch up on reading. Add a blanket, a good lamp and settle in. Rituals can be of great comfort when you need a break from things.
