Tag Archives: recipe

Zhoosh Up Your Décor and Dinner for the Holidays

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The holidays are here are again, and this year, it’s time to go all out! If your home is the place to be this Thanksgiving or Christmas, we’ve got some tips to make sure that this holiday season will be one to remember for years to come!

Décor:

It doesn’t take much to transform your home into a Texas winter (we use this word loosely) wonderland!

-          For Thanksgiving, make an easy yet beautiful centerpiece on the dining table out of fruit. Fill a decorative bowl full of your fruit of choice (we recommend apples or pears) and attach paper leaves to the stems with messages of “thanks-giving” written on them. You can even ask your guests to write a Thanksgiving message. The same concept can be used as place cards on the table for seating arrangements.

-          If it’s a winter wonderland you truly desire, then go for it! White décor is in! Decorate your house with a stunning white fur tree, white walls and, don’t forget, fake snow. Use a bold accent color such as red or blue to complete the look. White lights are also a lovely addition to the tree, if you’re wanting to keep it elegant.

-          Decorating on a budget this year? No worries! Simple additions such as evergreen clippings, pine cones and homemade items from the kids, such as candy cane cut-outs and a show-stopping gingerbread house can make your home feel full of cheer. These are also great activities that the whole family can enjoy. Although they now sell kits that are a breeze, here’s an easy “how-to” of a made-from-scratch gingerbread house.

Dinner:

-          We know you’ve always wanted to fry a turkey, and not just because it looks dangerous. It’s delicious. Sure, thousands of people burn their house down each year trying to fry a turkey, but it’s not going to be you! Check out this Art of Manliness’ video and be safe!

-          Not only is ambiance important during the holidays, but dinner can actually make or break your special day, so we found some yummy recipes to guarantee everyone will go home with a full and happy tummy. We turned to Texas Monthly for something a little different but still with a Texas twist. Instead of the usual sides, why not try making these delicious Sweet Potatoes with Ginger, Pecans and Jalapeños? We bet you won’t be sorry!

-          We also love these Cranberry and Pecan Tamales. Even in the tamale capital of Texas (which we assume we are), this is something you don’t often find.

-          Oh, and don’t forget to leave some cookies for Santa. Here’s a fun recipe for the kids that’s hassle free for you!

Just make sure to ask Santa for your dream home, but if he doesn’t come through, you can always give us a call at 210-494-5400 or fill out our online form. We may not have any reindeer, but we know how to make dreams come true!

Happy Holidays from our family at Stone Creek Custom Homes!

For a Thanksgiving They Will Never Forget

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If you’re scratching your head trying to come up with new ways to impress your guests this Thanksgiving (especially those adorable mother-in-laws), we’ve got you covered! Here are some savvy ideas, from décor to dinner, that will give everyone something to be thankful for – YOU!

  1. If you have a stockpile of old candleholders, like many of us do, grab them out of storage and use them for a fall display of miniature pumpkins and gourds. Try to find ones of varying heights and then fill in the scene with fall-colored candles and a few autumn leaves.
  2. If you happen to have extra mini pumpkins lying around (don’t we all?!), pop a variety of different-colored ones into a cloche or bell jar and turn them over onto a favorite plate. It makes for a nice centerpiece on the dinner table. The best part is you’re not left with outdated decorations that will simply gather dust in the closet all year.
  3. For a stunning dinner setting, find a bunch of mismatched vintage china (borrow from friends or go garage sale shopping). Using a large dinner plate as the base, stack smaller plates intermixed with teacups to create a 3-tiered masterpiece accented by vibrant orange roses or other floral favorite.
  4. Here’s an idea the will not only look festive, but gets everyone involved in Thanksgivingy cheer. Plus, it will keep the kids busy. Cut paper leaves out of colorful construction paper. As your friends and family arrive, have them write what they’re thankful for on a paper leaf then pin it onto a “tree” of branches anchored in a ceramic pitcher or linen-covered foam core in an antique frame. You might even come up with your own display idea.
  5. To find some unique recipes for this year’s turkey dinner, head to Half Price Books to find some old cookbooks with some tried and true family recipes or chef-inspired dishes that will wow your guests. One of our can’t-live-without Southern sides is a chorizo and cornbread stuffing. See the recipe below. 

Chorizo & Cornbread Stuffing

Ingredients

1 pound fresh Mexican chorizo
1 medium white onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 cups coarsely crumbled cornbread
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish (optional)
1/2 cup chicken stock (low-sodium store-bought is fine)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Grated cotija cheese, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chorizo, breaking it up with a spoon and stirring occasionally as it cooks, until it begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the onion, carrot, celery and garlic to the chorizo and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have browned, about 10 minutes. Add the crumbled cornbread and cilantro and gradually pour in enough of the stock so the stuffing is not too dry but at the same time not too wet. Stir gently and well.
Butter a small casserole dish. Spread the stuffing in an even layer. Bake until it’s heated through and lightly browned on top, about 20 minutes. Serve right away, garnished with the cilantro and cotija, if desired.

We wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving! After all the festivities have died down, we’re here to discuss the beautiful home you’re planning on living in next year. Call us at 210-494-5400 to set up a consultation. If you wish to be added to our private email list for our monthly newsletter, please sign up here.

 

 

Valentine’s Day in SA

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The next big holiday on everyone’s radar is Valentine’s Day on February 14 – a day that should be celebrated whether you have someone special in your life, or if that someone special is you!

Although the origins of this lovely day are confusing at best and include ancient Roman fertility rituals, fetes and martyrs, we owe thanks to writers like Shakespeare and Chaucer for romanticizing the holiday. In the Middle Ages, people showed their affection by making and giving handmade cards to their sweetheart of choice. Why not try your hand at poetry this Valentine’s and/or make a card of your own. For ideas, check out this website for 15 DIY Valentine card ideas.

This year, Valentine’s Day lands on a Sunday. To try something a little bit different, how about taking your sweetie to brunch instead of dinner? O’liva restaurant, located downtown next to the Governor’s Palace, is offering a prix fixe brunch for only $35 a person and includes a complimentary champagne cocktail and dessert. Guests are encouraged to make reservations as seating is limited – you can find them on OpenTable or call them at 210-229-2638.

Valentine’s Day Menu (consistently made from scratch with fresh, local ingredients)

❖        Turmeric Seafood Bisque in Coconut Milk

❖        Grilled Chicken with Dark Cherry-Pomegranate Glaze

❖        Smoky Roast Beef & Cabernet Mushroom Sauce

❖        Pecan Tri-Grain Pilaf

❖        Braised Cauliflower with local-made Orange-Butter

❖        In-house Smoked Pork Loin Benedict with Cilantro-Cracked Pepper Hollandaise

❖        Stuffed Mushrooms with Vegan Chorizo

❖        Smoked Queso Grits

❖        Wintery Salad & Champagne Vinny

❖        White Chocolate & Chocolate treats

❖        Mixed Berry Shortcakes & Almond Cream

Another great restaurant choice for Valentine’s Day is The Melting Pot. This old fashioned fun is a perfect choice for that wonderful person in your life. The prix fixe menu is $129.95 per person. We recommend their Yin & Yang cocktail to kick off the evening.

For a stay-at home-dinner, which can be just as special, surprise him or her with a Valentine’s dessert classic – Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries, which will be even more appreciated if you make it yourself or perhaps together. It’s actually very easy. See the recipe below for details and then leave the rest to Cupid!

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Ingredients

6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
3 ounces white chocolate, chopped
1 pound strawberries with stems (about 20), washed and dried very well

Directions

Put the semisweet and white chocolates into 2 separate heatproof medium bowls. Fill 2 medium saucepans with a couple inches of water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Turn off the heat; set the bowls of chocolate over the water to melt. Stir until smooth. (Alternatively, melt the chocolates in a microwave at half power, for 1 minute, stir and then heat for another minute or until melted.)

Once the chocolates are melted and smooth, remove from the heat. Line a sheet pan with parchment or waxed paper. Holding the strawberry by the stem, dip the fruit into the dark chocolate, lift and twist slightly, letting any excess chocolate fall back into the bowl. Set strawberries on the parchment paper. Repeat with the rest of the strawberries. Dip a fork in the white chocolate and drizzle the white chocolate over the dipped strawberries. Set the strawberries aside until the chocolate sets, about 30 minutes.

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Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes

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If you’re struggling to come up with some yummy ideas for Thanksgiving Dinner – here are some delicious recipes that will impress any relative!

 

Adobe-Rubbed Stuffed Turkey (Courtesy of Molli Sauces)

Ingredients

  • 1 jar Mölli Oaxaca Marinade (You can find this at Central Market)
  • 2 tbsp. honey
  • 1 tbsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 12 lb. turkey
  • 1 large onion, quartered
  • 1 orange, quartered

Directions

  1. In a bowl, mix Oaxaca marinade, honey and salt until fully integrated. Set Oaxaca rub aside.
  2. Heat oven to 500° and place rack in bottom third of oven. Pat turkey dry with clean paper towels. Rub outside of turkey with Oaxaca rub and stuff with onions and oranges; transfer turkey breast side up to a rack set in a roasting pan. Roast for 30 minutes; lower heat to 325° and cook for 30 minutes more. Remove turkey from oven and, flip turkey breast side down. Roast, basting occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into a thigh but not touching the bone registers 165°, about 3 hours total for a 12-lb. turkey. Lower oven to 150°. Transfer turkey, breast side up, to a baking sheet; return to oven to keep warm. Remove turkey from oven 15 minutes before serving. Save roasting pan for Port gravy recipe.
  3. Serve this delicious turkey with our Port Gravy recipe on the side. You will love it!!

bread pudding

 

Savory Apple-Italian Sausage Bread Pudding Recipe (Courtesy of San Antonio Blogger, Wendy Weekend Gourmet )

 

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tbs. olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
  • 1 tsp. chopped Italian parsley
  • 3 tbs. butter
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 Honeycrisp apple — peel, core, and chop into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 8 ounces cooked, crumbled Italian sausage
  • 1 cup coarsely grated sharp cheddar [NOTE: I used Cabot Alpine Sharp Cheddar]
  • 1 3/4 cups half and half
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tbs. chopped Italian parsley
  • 1 tsp. poultry seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Directions: Step 1: Preheat oven to 350. Add the cubed sourdough to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil and add the garlic and chopped parsley. Toss well, until the bread cubes are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning. Arrange on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, until the cubes are browned. Step 2: Add the butter to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until the onion begins to soften and get some color — about 4 minutes. Add the apple and cook until the apples begins to soften. While the veggies and apple mixture is cooking, make the custard: add the half and half and eggs to a large measuring cup and whisk until combined. Set aside. Step 3: Add the toasted sourdough cubes to a large mixing bowl. Add the crumbled Italian sausage, sharp cheddar, and apple-veggie mixture. Add the custard and stir to combine evenly. Push the bread cubes into the custard. Let sit for 10 minutes, stirring 2-3 times to ensure all the bread sits in the custard. Step 4: Butter a deep 2-quart casserole dish. Ladle the bread pudding mixture into the casserole. Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and cook the bread pudding an additional 30 minutes, until browned. Let cool 30 minutes before serving.

 

Classic Buttermilk Pie (Courtesy of Southern Living)

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon loosely packed lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pastry Crust of your choice

Garnishes: fresh berries, whipped cream, fresh mint

 

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Whisk together first 2 ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk eggs and next 5 ingredients into flour mixture; pour into Perfect Pastry Crust. 2. Bake at 350° for 35 to 45 minutes or until almost set, shielding edges with aluminum foil after 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and cool 1 hour.  

Get Ready for Your Memorial Day Cookout!

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Who doesn’t look forward to an amazing Memorial Day cookout with all of their friends and family in their lusciously-landscaped backyard?! But what if your backyard isn’t so luscious? Here are some fast, easy things you can do to help enhance your Memorial Day experience, your backyard and your culinary prowess!

The Backyard

If you haven’t had time to landscape your backyard the way you want it, consider sprucing it up for your party by covering the deck and yard with potted plants filled with beautiful blooming flowers. As an added touch, you can paint the pots with glow-in-the-dark paint to make them stand out when the sun goes down.

No one will be paying attention to how perfect your backyard is or isn’t as long as you have games for people to play. Buy a set of bocce balls, croquet and badminton and keep everyone entertained and happy. However, beware of mixing too much alcohol with a game of bocce ball… or croquet for that matter!

The Grill

You may already have the king of grills, but if not, think about adding this little green gem to your backyard. The Big Green Egg is a popular addition to outdoor kitchens. We’re finding that a lot of our clients either have one or want one. It may not be the prettiest appliance, but this kamado-style ceramic charcoal barbecue cooker is considered one of the most versatile cooking devices on the market. You can grill, bake or smoke just about anything with it… and it tastes delicious!

The Barbecue

You can enhance just about any protein – beef, chicken or fish with a simple pesto. San Antonio’s own, Chef Chuck Hernandez, also known as the Pesto King and owner of Arugula Catering and the soon to be open O’liva Cafe downtown, was kind enough to share his Chihuahuan-style Pesto recipe with us. It goes great with grilled meats and veggies, either as a marinade or a condiment. Chuck likes to add it to his quail diablos and grilled avocados (pictured here). If you try it this Memorial Day, please send us a pic or post on our Facebook!

Chihuahuan Pesto Recipe

  • 2 cups  fresh cilantro – rinsed, drain-dried with some stems
  • 1 medium fresh jalapeno pepper
  • 1 green onion, stalk included
  • 4 cloves  garlic
  • 1/3 cup  jack cheese
  • 1 teaspoon  prepared mole paste
  • 1/3 cup  toasted pecans
  • 1 tablespoon  orange, pomegranate or pineapple juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon  cumin powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon  oregano dried or fresh
  • 1/3 cup  EVOO
  • sea salt & black pepper to taste

Directions:

Using a food processor, gently pulse ingredients until they are thoroughly combined. Scrape sides down with a rubber spatula. Approximately 1 minute. Serve or refrigerate in an air-tight container, up to 4 days.

If you don’t already have an amazing home and backyard for your Memorial Day cookout, we can help you get ready for next year! Give us a call at 210-494-5400.