Eating the Alphabet: B

June 19, 2013 at 10:00 amBY Joanna and Lorien

eating-the-alphabet-b

For our second installation of this series, Lorien and I sifted through a long list of our favorite foods beginning with the letter ‘B’.  This series is really fun to work on (reminiscent of sesame street).  The ingredients are overwhelming….think of all the amazing foods beginning with ‘B’.  It wasn’t an easy choice, but we each chose a pair of ingredients and recipes we’d like to try.

borscht

Joanna says: What would like be like without beets?? I don’t really want to know, but it wouldn’t be nearly as sweet.  I can eat a beet in just about any form, picked, roasted, mashed, baked….I’m a big fan.  Aside from staining my cutting board, beets have never left a bad impression on me.  I’ve attempted so many varieties of beet recipes, almost always resulting in delicious dish.  One beet recipe I’ve been meaning to try out, but haven’t tried on my own is Borscht.  This traditional and refreshing Ukrainian soup can be served hot or cold, but being summer, I think I’ll try out a cold version.  I found this recipe for Cold Summer Borscht straight from Alan Ginsberg.  Can’t wait to try it out.

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As much as I love a good beet…I have to say, basil is absolutely a staple in my summer diet.  One of my fave crops from the garden, basil can be used in a cocktail, in a pasta dish, endless salads, and the list goes on and on….I’ve tried my hand with so many basil recipes.  I think they’ve all been fantastic, and it must be due to the basil.  This herb is quintessential summer.  I had to dig deep to find a recipe I hadn’t tried, but I think I’ve found the perfect one on Bon AppetiteLemongrass-Basil Sherbert.  I’m already dusting off my ice cream maker.  Yum!

B-brussellsprouts

Lorien says:When we did ‘Eating the Alpahbet: B’ I had a heard time choosing which foods and recipes I wanted to share, with ‘B’ I knew immediately that I wanted to share this Garlic and Herb Stuffed Brussels Sprouts recipe. Although b sprouts are not really in season, I’ve been drying to try this recipe… it just has to be good. My usual go-to recipe for cooking brussels sprouts is to coat in salt, pepper, garlic powder. Cook until crispy, almost chip like in a 350/400 degree oven. Squeeze lemon on before serving. It’s my favorite way and the easiest way to cook them, it even converted a brussels sprout hater into a brussels sprout lover.

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Choosing brownies was also a no brainer for me. Brownies are efinitely not the most chefy food, but I’m a sucker for a good, simple and delicious brownie. If there is a brownie in front of me, just like pizza or fries, I can not resist. If it’s a brownie icecream sundae, oh forget it…. While I’m exploring recipes for gluten free brownies, sometimes you just need the real thing and Ina Garten’s Outrageous Brownies can do you no wrong.

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Interiors: Dash & Albert Rugs

June 12, 2013 at 10:00 amBY Joanna

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all images from dashandalbert.com

Lorien and I are pretty excited to be heading out to Alt Summit NYC next week.  It’s such an amazing gathering – packed full of bloggers at Martha Stewart Omnimedia for a day of amazing speakers, conversation and introductions.  We look forward to going all year.  Last year we had a blast, and this year should be even better.  Particularly because this year we’ll be attending a sponsor dinner the night before with Dash & Albert!  I’ve been a big fan of this textile company (mainly rugs, but they also make great tote bags, throw blankets and pillows) for quite some time.  One of my first jobs was in a retail boutique and they had me selling Dash & Albert rugs to interior designers for fancy beach houses.  Their designs are truly timeless, and most everything is stripped, so you know I’m on board.  I just checked out their site, and I could easily live in any one of their sets (they have the cutest pets lounging on their rugs). Having just refinished my floors, I’m in the market for a few new rugs, and I’ve got my eye on this Fair Isle Rosemary rug.  I think it would look great in my new grey living room.   Like most decisions I make – I’ll probably ponder this one for another year or so before I decide I should just buy the rug, but I hope it will be mine some time soon.

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The throws….oooh the throws! They have the best cotton throws that you can toss in the washing machine and dryer.  Mine has survived puppy chewing and years of washing, and it’s still going strong (with a few small holes).  I don’t need anther one, but I want another one – I’m trying to recognize the difference these days.  So maybe I’ll treat myself this summer.

Needless to say – I’m excited to join Dash & Albert for dinner next week.  I’ve been a customer, admirer, fan for quite some time now.  We’ll share pics with you next week.

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Gift Guide: Father’s Day

June 7, 2013 at 10:00 amBY Joanna

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clockwise from top left: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4  / 5 / 6 / 7

I’m always at a loss when it comes to father’s day.  My dad seems to have everything he needs, so I inevitably end up buying him gardening supplies every year.  This year I’m swearing off the garden center and trying to come up with something more unique.  I’m fairly certain my dad would like just about anything in this guide.  Some of my faves (because I’m always shopping for me really) are the 100lb coal bag from Best Made and the Things Come Apart book.

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clockwise from top left: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

The Grillbot seems kind of awesome too…no?  Letting a robot clean my grill for me.  I think my dad would appreciate the help.  And the Dynazap bug catcher.  Safer than harmful bug spray, and if it works, it’s well worth the price.  OK, I think I’ve found a few non-gardening related options.  What are you giving your dad?

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Friday Giveaway: Sweet Shades From Queen of Hearts

May 31, 2013 at 10:00 amBY Joanna

qoh giveaway

Today is the big day!  Our first friday giveaway over here at Get Along And Go.  It’s been a while now that I’ve wanted to partner up with a shop owner and offer our readers a chance to win some Get Along And Go approved goods.  The first give-away partner that came to mind was Karen Beebe’s shops Queen of Hearts and Modern Love (she owns two stores!) in Providence, RI.  Both of these businesses are chock-a-block full of clothing, shoes and accessories we’re dying to own, so it seemed like the natural pick for our first give-away…plus Karen is incredibly generous and jumped at the opportunity to participate.

Not only does Karen curate two beautiful stores, she’s launched a web shop as well, where you can easily pop in and shop from home.  It’s easy to build up a lengthy wish list poking around her site.  She has an abundance of summer dresses right now, I could buy an entirely new wardrobe!  And the best part of all, Karen has a selective eye for the well priced – super reasonable fashion finds – so nothing is priced outrageously.  We’re pretty lucky to have such a great store within walking distance.

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Queen of Hearts is giving away these sweet Pamela shades to one of our lucky readers.  To enter to win – visit the Queen of Heart/Modern Love online shop and come back to this post and let us know what you liked the most.  Leave a comment here and you will be entered to win…that’s it.  Simple.  Entry for the give-away will be open all weekend.  We’ll announce the winner Monday morning on Twitter/Facebook (so make sure you’re following us on facebook and twitter).

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Eating the Alphabet: A

May 30, 2013 at 12:30 pmBY Joanna and Lorien

A-getalongandgo

Welcome to our new series on the blog – Eating the Alphabet. We will be “eating” our way through the alphabet in this series. We will be sharing with you different foods, recipes, favorite meals and restaurants that have been inspired by a different letter in the alphabet. First up is the letter ‘A’:

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Lorien says: As I was thinking of which foods I wanted to feature for ‘A’, I was going through my memory of meals I’ve had, which veggies are my favorite, which spices I’ve been using lately, now that Spring/Summer is here which foods I’m craving….. and I decided on apricots and asparagus for their simplicity in preparation this time of year. They’re fantastic on their own or a tiny something takes them over the top.

Apricots: Apricots are heavenly by themselves or in jams, in salads, in drinks, in sorbets, in ice creams… for all these reasons they’re a favorite of mine in the summer. I’m really looking forward to trying these recipes this summer: Apricot-Chile Hot Sauce, Gluten Free Apricot Strawberry Cake and Apricot and Pistachio Crumbles with Vanilla Ice cream. (image)

Asparagus: When asparagus is in season and when they’re cooked right, asparagus is as addicting as french fries to me. My favorite preparation of asparagus is simple – roasted with a little cheese, breadcrumbs and lemon sprinkled on top. Combine that with eggs or pasta, or both, I can eat various variations of these ingredients weekly. (image)

Joanna says: Asparagus, Arugula, Artichoke, Avocado…what a great letter to start of a series all about our favorite foods.  It’s hard to choose with all these options – but if I had to pick my favorite food beginning with the letter ‘A’ I’d have to say…errrr…I really can’t pick a favorite when it comes to artichokes and avocados.  That’s like asking a parent to pick their favorite child.  I just can’t – I love them both too much.

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Avocado: I’ve never grilled avocados myself, but I’ve had them in restaurants and they are so good!  It seems like a strange concept at first – cooking avocado? But it works, and it’s simple to do.  This recipe includes grilled tomatoes, garlic, chiles, cilantro, sea salt…what more could you want really.  And if you’re entertaining outdoors, these avocados are easy to assemble and the presentation will impress.  You grill the halved avocados with the skin on and fill the hole with the grilled tomatoes and chiles – eat with a spoon – skin on.   I’m absolutely trying these for my next BBQ.

Artichoke: My new obsession is the combo of shaved artichoke and truffle.  Ever since having the Artichoke Crudo and Celery salad at Bacaro I can’t stop thinking about this pairing (I made my own version at home the other night and I have to say – it came out great).  This recipe from Saveur looks like a good one to try at home too.  Garlic, lemon, baby artichokes, white truffle, Parmesan. Yum. Perfect for a light Spring dinner.

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Garden Update: Trellis Veggies

May 29, 2013 at 1:21 amBY Joanna

trellis

One of the best solutions to a tiny garden is a trellis.  My little garden is only 12 ft x 12 ft, but I’m able to produce a fairly big crop by growing vertically (it may only be 12 ft square, but its nearly 12 ft tall).  For many plants this is the preferred method of growing too – so it’s a win-win.  Certain vine-like veggies will rot on the ground, so the added height gives them a chance to keep their leaves dry, and reach better sun.  My little garden is almost entirely on giant trellis.  If you have limited space I recommend trying these vertical plants:

trellising-vegetables

Pole Bean: If you’re growing beans, I recommend a pole bean over a bush bean.  You’ll get the same yield, but use a fraction of the space (fresh beans off the vine are unlike any store bought bean).  Just plant near a trellis or bamboo pole – they won’t need much guidance.  They will grow in spirals around the support.

Snap Pea:  These spring treats need no help.  Give them a net to climb on and they’ll find their own way.  When they’re finish blooming you can grow beans on the same trellis.

Cucumber:  The fruit stays cleaner and is less prone to bugs and rot when elevated on a trellis.  Cucumber vines need little guidance, they have plenty of curly feelers seeking out a pole to grow on.  Netting may not be strong enough – they can get heavy.  I recommend a more solid structure with bamboo poles.

Squash:  Like cucumbers, squash do better growing vertical, but they may need a little guidance.  Keep a spool of garden twine handy and you can tie new growth to the trellis as the plant matures.  If the fruits get big you may want to provide additional cradle support by tying the fruit itself to the trellis.

Tomato:  Most people use round tiered cages to support tomato plants.  They will also do just fine on a more traditional wall-like trellis, but they will need additional guidance.  Get out that twine.

Pepper:  Some pepper plants can get quite tall, and with guidance (twine) they will grow right up a trellis.  The added support is helpful as pepper plants can get weighed down by their own fruits.

Melon: Like squash and cucumbers, melons are a vine, and do best on a trellis.  They will need little guidance, as they seek out poles with their little curly feelers.  As the fruits develop they may need additional support to keep from weighing down the plant.  Use your twine to cradle the melon to a support post.

 

 

 

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Pretty in Print: Business Cards

May 24, 2013 at 10:00 amBY Joanna

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I’ve never been more excited for a week to wrap up than I am right now.  Happy Friday! It’s been a trying few weeks living outside of my house while repairs are being done, and guess what – they’re finished!  We get to move back tomorrow morning.  Its a good thing too – I’m not sure I could handle one more night on my air mattress.

Last night was the first night I was able to connect to the internet at my temporary home (two weeks without internet and I went a little nuts).  I spent a good hour combing through Pinterest looking at some amazing business cards.  I’m thinking of reconfiguring ours before we head out to Alt Summit NYC in a few weeks (nothing like last minute thinking).  There are so many good designs and concepts for business cards out there.  I found this really simple and very effective idea by Fischer Portugal on Design Vagabond.  It’s a self inking stamp designed to imprint a ‘business card’ on just about anything.  The person represented is an environmental consultant.  So clever, I love it!  Now to just think of something equally as clever for Get Along and Go.  No pressure….

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That’s What She Said: Bartender’s Choice at The Eddy

May 23, 2013 at 10:00 amBY Joanna and Lorien

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Lorien and I love a good cocktail, so naturally we’re excited about the Eddy!  This new cocktail bar opened in Providence and we can’t keep away.  Jay Carr and his team of bartenders know what they’re doing when it comes to the libations.  And it helps that it’s a block away from our office.  I can’t think of a better place to wander into after a long day of work, particularly when you’re ready for someone else to take care you.  You don’t even have to put much thought into ordering, because their Bartender’s Choice option on the menu has you covered.  Jay – the brains behind the operation – mixes up custom drinks based on your preference.  Order the Bartender’s Choice and you’ll be asked a few simple questions about what type of spirits you enjoy, ‘citrusy’ or ‘boozy’….from there on out it’s easy going, just sit back and enjoy.  Jay says, ‘So as far as the inspiration for a bartenders choice, that’s where the customer comes in to play. We ask you specific questions to see what your particular tastes are and how adventurous you want to get and tailor a cocktail to that.’

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Joanna ordered: Go figure that I order the drink titled ‘The Boozy Drink’.  After the week I’ve had, not surprising at all.  I told Jay I’m game for just about anything (but not quite ready for the egg in the cocktail).  He served me up this tasty concoction of rye whiskey, vermouth, bitters, and more.  The drink was smooth and had the tiniest sweetness to balance the bitters and citrus, but certainly not a sweet drink (I’m not typically a fan of sweet cocktails).  A bit dangerous really – I could see this drink creeping up on me after I’ve ordered a few.  Thankfully the Eddy has a simple but tasty offering of small plates and snacks to accompany their cocktail menu.  With items like pickles and pretzels on the menu – I’m an easy sell.  I’m going to try my hand at this cocktail at home.  I think it would make a great drink for a party.

Here’s the recipe:

Boozy drink

  • 2 oz. old overholt rye whiskey
  • .5 oz. averna
  • .5 oz. carpano antica formula sweet vermouth
  • 1 barspoon luxardo maraschino liqueur
  • 1 dash regan’s orange bitters
  • stir on ice, servers up in a coupe with a lemon twist.

It was delicious, refreshing, and just strong enough to forget the stresses of the day.  What else could I really want.  Perfect, thank you Jay!

 

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Lorien ordered: the Eddy has become one of my new favorite places to go for drinks because you know you’re in good hands. Each drink is thoughtfully and expertly made. The combination of flavors they create are unique and complex, they make it easy to step out of my comfort zone and order new drinks I’ve never tried before (they also have a nice selection of beer and wine). This is why I never get nervous about ordering the Bartender’s Choice.

In the spirit of the warm weather, I asked Jay for something citrusy and bright. I wanted something light, something that I could potentially drink all Summer long and with just a few words from me, Jay got it. He made a delicious drink that was citrusy, floral, light, sweet but definitely not too sweet (which I loved/wanted). The drink was complex and all the flavors blended so perfectly together, but you could still taste each ingredient. Every time I sipped I got a burst of the lime, followed up a hint of the basil, each sip was delicious! Thanks Jay!

Here’s the recipe:

Basil Cocktail

  • 1.5 oz. square one basil vodka
  • .5 oz. simple syrup
  • .75 oz. fresh lime juice
  • .25 oz. green chartreuse
  • 1 dash lavender bitters
  • shaken on ice and served up in a coupe
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Party Favors: A BBQ Party

May 22, 2013 at 10:00 amBY Joanna

part-favors

OK – I’m almost back living in my house (it’s been under construction for almost two weeks and move-in is Friday), and I’m longing to cook a meal, spend time with friends, and sleep in my own bed.  I’m missing my creature comforts….particularly during this busy time of year – every weekend seems to be taken up with a wedding, a trip to here or there, or out-of-town guests.  These are the events that make summer so exciting and so exhausting at the same time.  And as if I need another obligation on my plate, I’ve decided to host a birthday BBQ for Ben and I (our birthdays are a week apart in July).  I really love entertaining, so it’s really something I’m looking forward to.  I’ve already started thinking about the menu, and with the garden in full bloom at that time, I’ll likely make everything from scratch, including my BBQ sauce.  After checking out a bunch of recipes – it turns out BBQ sauce is really simple to make, and easy to customize to your own liking (plus the homemade sauce can be made without the high fructose corn syrup most store bought varieties have).  I’m going to try a variation of this recipe for Sweet and Tangy BBQ sauce from the Kitchn.   I may add some fresh hot peepers (jalapenos or serranos) from the garden.

It’s such a simple recipe, I thought – why not make a huge batch, buy a few inexpensive glass bottles here, and send guests away with their own BBQ sauce party favors.  I love the idea of people taking a small token away, and particularly if it’s something that inspires more BBQ’s.

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In the Details: Light Fixtures

May 17, 2013 at 10:00 amBY Joanna

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Ok, I’m having a major indecisive moment (not surprising), and I can’t seem to commit to a new lighting fixture for my living room/dining room.  I’m over thinking it, and I may have just reached the point where I need to walk away and let someone else choose.  The six here are what I’ve managed to narrow it down to.  I thought for sure I’d be picking one from my fave Schoolhouse Electric, but then I found a few others that I like too….ahhhhh – which do you think will look best in my living room?  The walls are being painted a warm grey, the ceilings are rather high, and there is natural brick exposed nearby.  This particular fixture will be hanging nearly over the dining table (but not perfectly centered which makes me shy away from the pendants a little??) What do you think?

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