Are You Pantry Ready?

I get tons of emails, texts from readers complaining that putting dinner on the table night after night is sooo challenging.  Everyone is running out of ideas.  I feel you for sure!!!!  Yesterday, I went to the most amazing cooking demonstration at K’s Kitchen.  My friend Karen does a weekly cooking class where you gather with friends and she makes 3 family friendly, easy entrees, with sides and even throws in a starter and dessert.  Everyone eats what she makes and takes notes on the printed recipes she provides.  What a great idea.  Karen is helping us to bring family dinner back!!!!!  We loved watching Karen at her craft.  She sure has a knack for cooking and chopping!!!!!  Karen says a stocked pantry is key to getting the nightly meals on the table.  She kindly shared her coveted list with us. For more information on K’s Kitchen or to get in touch with Karen, contact her, knschulz@verizon.net.






Pantry/Fridge Essentials:
2 cans of chick peas/garbanzo beans
Jarred anchovies in oil
Jarred hearts of palm (I like Sun Pix brand from Costco)
2 large cans crushed San Marzano Tomatoes
1 15oz can tomato sauce
1 15oz can diced tomatoes
Peanut butter, smooth and chunky
Vinegars; champagne, balsamic, red wine, cider, rice
Good olive oil, extra virgin for salads and regular for cooking
Tahini (great in dips, sauces, stir fry)
Capers
Olives; black, Spanish, kalamata
Organic stock; chicken, beef & vegetable
Agave
Real maple syrup
Coarse kosher salt
Water chestnuts
Different shaped pastas
Different grains; rice, farro, Israeli couscous, lentils
Nut assortment; sliced almonds, walnuts, pine nuts
Soy Vay Teriyaki 
Sriracha sauce
Ricotta
Fresh Mozzarella
Thomas’ English Muffins
Panko
Peeled garlic
Plain Organic Greek Yogurt
Cherry tomatoes, I like the assorted colors
Hearts of romaine
Lots of lemons
Carrots
Hothouse cucumbers
Fresh grated parm (June & Ho is my favorite for parm)
Fresh shaved parm
Fish sauce
Follow Your Heart Veganaise (Whole Foods)
Freezer Essentials:
2 dozen pounded chicken breasts (some butchers will shrinkwrap them so they are ready for the freezer)
2 lbs ground chicken
Assorted beef; steaks, ground beef
Sausage: sweet, hot, breakfast links and discs
Dorot frozen garlic, red chili and ginger
1 bag frozen tail on uncooked but cleaned shrimp (Costco)

1 bag frozen cooked shrimp (Costco)





A Bloody Mary Fit for a Queen

After the past two day’s posts, I don’t know what I could bring you to follow up and then I found the company Big Tom Bloody Mary mix!!!!!!  It has received the “Royal Warrant” for being a favorite of  Queen Elizabeth herself ;”By Royal appointment to Her Majesty The Queen”.  It is said that this is THE BEST BLOODY MARY MIX OF ALL TIME!!!!  To learn more about this delicious, royal product, click HERE.  Bottoms Up!!!!!



SJP

Last week was certainly a worldwind for me…..not only did I get to meet Gwyneth but I also met Sarah Jessica Parker, at Bloomingdales, AND previewed her new line of shoes, perfectly named, SJP.  I felt like I was in a scene from Sex and the City.  Sarah Jessica was right in there, on the floor, helping lucky ladies pick the right style shoe for them.  She was so animated and totally channeling sweetheart Carrie Bradshaw.  I really was hoping for a siting of Mr. Big!!!!!!  The shoes were so gorgeous.  The hot pink suede heels were a huge hit.  On my wish list are the “Keating” (see below) and the Rome flat sandal, which SJP was wearing herself!!!!!  To see all the styles available click HERE

The Keating Shoe named after Bloomingdale’s Senior Vice President of Public Relations and Special Events Anne Keating. They are exclusive to Bloomingdales…HOW COOL!!!!!! 

Book Club Monday

Last week a had a very special event to attend…a meet and greet with Gwyneth Paltrow!!!!  I would say she is probably the top of the heap for this type of blog.  Gwyneth is perfection.  There was a book signing for her new cookbook… It’s All Easy: Delicious Weekday Recipes for the Super Busy Home Cook.   I have to say that it is a really great book.  The recipes are just that, easy and family friendly.  Not only was it so cool to meet Gwyneth and talk about her blog, Goop, which I LOVE!!!, the people that I met at that night were pretty amazing as well.  To buy the book, click HERE

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Fashionable Friend Friday

As I always say on this blog, you NEVER know who you are going to meet.  One day at one of my favorite restaurants, I started talking to the prettiest lady sitting at the table next to me.  She started to tell me about her career and I was so impressed.  Meet Carrie Brudner.  She is an FIT grad who started an event called Healthy Guru.  Her media sponsors are Shape and Social Life magazine.  Her Healthy Guru is an annual event that will be held in the summer in Southampton in July.  The event will start at 9 and feature all of the hottest exercise classes, fashion, instructors, trainers, makeup and hair looks and trends in healthy eating.  The day will continue into evening, with a cocktail party and fashion show and an after party at one of Southampton’s hottest night spots.  Carrie has asked NS LIFESTYLES to be part of the day with tons of lifestyle tips and treats so stay tuned!!!!!  For more info on the Healthy Guru, click HERE.







I was lucky enough to interview Carrie and hear all about the Healthy Guru event.  To listen to the interview, click HERE

A Great Blow Out

I am always in search of a perfect blowout.  The one that leaves your hair with a lot of pouf and lasts all day!!!  Recently I stumbled upon The Haus of Magnum in Greenwich, Ct.  Lucas, the owner has both an impressive resume and clientele.   He is quickly becoming the “go to” hair color and style artist in Greenwich!    The Haus of Magnum is offering a blowout special to NS LIFESTYLE readers, $25 if you make and appointment and mention this blog.  For more information on The Haus of Magnum, click HERE.