Luncho Making Olive O

Since I write the blog it's kind of strange to compliment myself so I am not going to do that. I will just jot down a few things I did to get the table setting and the project going for the lovelies. Pictured above you'll see that I used outdoor urns to decorate. I added a faux head of cabbage in the light tall urn for a garden feel. I used a real plant with bright color in between two green plants placed in a moss wrapped planter, and on the opposite end I used a tall thin artificial grass in a terra cotta colored urn. I pretty much started there for the theme. Keeping the three urns similar in size, as not to block the view too much for the guests. They do need to visit with their friends across the table.

 Here you can see that I used burlap for a tablecloth, followed with a champagne colored chiffon fabric, twisted and placed through the center. I placed the urns in the center of the table as well. The moss placemats gave a great texture as did the wicker round ones. I used a dark green dinner plate with a flower motif salad plate, for that continuity. When I do a tablescape I try to keep in mind size, texture, shape, color and theme. The lovelies are so generous when they host, they usually serve great meals along with a little gift or a treat for each gal to take home, as well as their project. I placed a long strand of yellow pearls in a satin jewelry bag for each tablesetting which add to the spring-garden feel. Easter really helped convey my vision.

This is the other end of the farm table. I had a ceramic bunny as well an 8 foot grapevine and floral garland woven between the urns to give some depth and texture also helping to convey the theme. I used as much green as I could without over powering the table. The glasses were a handblown green glass from Mexico, and I also used green glasses I found at Tuesday Mornings.

After a light lunch of fruit with poppy seed dressing, lettuce wraps and lemon bars. We moved to the kitchen for a fun time of infusing vodka and olive oil.

The lovelies hard at work infusing and tagging their product.

 Miss Sarah very hard at work labeling. I purchased the bottles online and the labels at Michaels. 

Shaved lemon peel and lime peel for our vodka.

The lovelies sure are creative with their herbs and spices, and their labels. They look like they are ready for shipping. Way to go girls, your awesome.

Poppy Seed Dressing

(for fruit of your choice) suggestions: pineapple, bananas,

grapes, apples, mandarine oranges, berries.

Ingredients

1. 1/3 cup white sugar
2. 1/2 cup white vinegar
3. 1 teaspoon salt
4. 1 teaspoon ground dry mustard
5. 1 teaspoon grated onion
6. 1 cup vegetable oil
7. 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Directions

1. In a blender or food processor, combine sugar, vinegar, salt, mustard and onion and process for 20 seconds. With blender or food processor on high, gradually add oil in a slow, steady stream. Stir in poppy seeds

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• 1 pound ground turkey or (chicken) we also added brown sugar and sesame oil
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 large jalapeno pepper, chopped fine
• 1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce or tabasco sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespons vegetable oil

Sauce (set aside at table) we doubled the recipe

• 3 table spoons rice wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 4 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons finely grated ginger
• 1.5 teaspoons Asian sesame oil (Kadoya)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 European cucumber, peeled, dices
• 1 cup bean sprouts (omitted)
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1/4 cup mint leaves (omitted)
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves (omitted)
• 2 tablespoon chopped roasted peanuts or cashews (omitted)
• 1 head of leaf lettuce
• Bottled sweet chili sauce

Instructions

1. In a saute pan mix and start to cook together the chicken, basil, lime juice, garlic, jalapeno,tasbasco
2. Continue cooking in medium skillet,  add sesame and vegetable oil until hot over medium high heat, add soy and cook through
3. For the sauce - heat vinegar, and add sugar to pan and cook until sugar dissolves. Add the garlic and the crushed red pepper, soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil and water. Place sauce in a small pitcher and serve on the side. Put the spouts, mint, cilantro and peanuts into small bowls or in piles on a large tray. Arrange the lettuce leaves into a pile. Wrap the chicken and toppings in the lettuce leaves. Serve the soy marinade and sweet chili sauce on the side if desired.

CONNIE'S LEMON BARS

For the crust mix together:

2 C flour

1/2 C powder sugar

1 C butter

Press into 9 x 13 pan and bake at 350 for 20 to 25 minutes.

While the crust is baking blend together until thick:

4 eggs

2 C sugar

1/3 C lemon juice (2 lemons)

To the egg mixture add 1/4 cup flour and 1/2 tsp baking powder and blend (I use a wisk till it is smooth).

Pour over baked crust and return to oven. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes (or right before it barely begins to

brown). Sprinkle with powder sugar.  Let cool before cutting..