HOH [Recipe Box]: The King of Secret Ingredients

Campbell's Golden Mushroom soup is probably one of those things you walk by in the grocery store. I mean, nobody I know actually eats Golden Mushroom soup for lunch, so I guess it's sort of understandable. Indeed I really have only my mother to thank for exposing me to such a fabulous, multi-use ingredient - without which my kitchen success tally would be far, far lower.

At a slight $1.50 per can, Golden Mushroom Soup is perfect to add depth of flavor, rich texture, and that little extra something that keeps your friends coming back for more.

This understated ingredient has found its way into many of my favorite 'slow-food' dishes, and I just had to share its magic with all of you.

Perfect Addition To:

• Pot Roast
• Beef Bourgignone (or your favorite beef stew)
• Meatloaf
• Short Ribs
• Served as a sauce over seared Pork Chops or Chicken Thighs
• Chicken Soup
• Coq au Vin (or any braised chicken dish)
• French Onion Soup

With many of the above dishes, you'd want to add the Golden Mushroom towards the end of your assembly process -you know, just before you add the meat back into the pot to cook for a few hours. Doubtful? Don't be! Just take the leap and give it a whirl when attempting your next super-savory dish - promise you won't be disappointed.

glorious friday: weekend sewing project

I think I'll be sewing a little of this...

and a little of that...

and possibly even some of this.

For more simple kitchen sewing projects, view the full article here.

reclaimed counter love.

We moved into our house 3 1/2 years ago. I live with a husband who has not one handy bone in his body [I still love you, though, darling!]. And I have a sub-sub-par [very VERY sub-par] kitchen. It's a disgrace.

And you know what one of the biggest problems is? We don't have the money to renovate.

Our options: get creative and well, get creative.

We want new counter tops.

So, I've played with the Ikea route. It's still an option. But even that is $500 - $1000 for hardwood.  I've contemplated do-it-yourself concrete. But, if you know me then you know that would be a GIGANTIC DISASTER.

My latest fix is reclaimed barn board. I really think it would be amazing. fabulously amazing. I can't get this image out of my head [but I don't really want to, either].

I'm. in. LOVE. The floors aren't too shabby either, if I do say so myself.

HOH [Recipe Box]: Not your Mama's Meatloaf.

As you may have guessed, we love to cook. Looooove to cook. And the best thing about loving to cook is that eventually you get to the point where you're no longer intimidated by the kitchen and you just sort of know what works and what doesn't. The more you do it, the better you get at it - rest assured. So, in that vein, last night I made meatloaf for a very last minute impromptu dinner.

Meatloaf, you say?

This is their first recipe post and they're going to tell me I should make meatloaf?

I know, I know. It sounds strange but meatloaf is one of those things that doesn't have to be terrible if you just get a bit creative and don't freak out about messing it up. Here goes:

Basic Ingredients:

2 lbs 85/15 Ground Beef

Small Onion, medium dice

Ketchup - maybe a half cup + some for the end + some with dinner. So, keep your bottle handy.

Worcestershire Sauce - a 3-4 second pour worth?

Garlic Powder - 5-6 shakes?

Salt, Pepper - to taste

2 Eggs

Bread Crumbs - probably about a cup, but you add as you go to get the desired texture.

1/2 pound Bacon

The 'Whatever you have in the Pantry' List of Possible Additions:

Soy Sauce

Steak Sauce

Golden Mushroom Soup (favorite secret ingredient of all time)

Creole Seasoning/Montreal Steak Seasoning

Milk

Tomato Paste

How To:

• Preheat oven to 400
• In large bowl, add everything except the eggs and breadcrumbs. Just keep in mind that you really can't mess it up. If you like your food on the sweeter side, add a bit more ketchup. Love salt? Add more. Garlic? More.
• Beat the eggs in a separate little dish and add.
• Now, roll up your sleeves and prepare to get into it - you really can't make a good meatloaf without combining everything with your hands.
• Next you're going to add the breadcrumbs. The key here is to add gradually as you mix the loaf ingredients - you don't want the finished product to be too dry or too wet. As for when it's ready, it's hard to say. It's kind of like pornography - you know it when you see it.
• Okay once this is all set you're ALMOST DONE! Now just shape your mixture into a loaf or whatever shape fits the baking dish you have (last night's was round because my loaf pan is mysteriously missing... worked just as well!).
• And for the final pièce de résistance, the bacon. I like to drizzle the top of the meatloaf with more ketchup first because a) I'm one of those people who like ketchup, b) it helps keep the meat moist, and c) it'll help keep the bacon on and in place. Once that's done,drape that baby with as much bacon as it will stand.
• Pop in the oven, checking to be sure the bacon doesn't over cook - if so, just tent with foil to finish cooking. I'd estimate about an hour, maybe less - you'll want your internal temp to be about 130F, and note that the doneness of the bacon should be a pretty good indicator if all goes to plan.

And there you have it - succulent, bacon wrapped goodness. I recommend classic accompaniments - mashed potatoes and peas with butter are my favorite. Enjoy with a cold beer and some good friends, and you've got a super easy meal to add to your entertaining repertoire!

hammer [your little heart] away.

I have always had an unusual affinity for hammered metal. Well, maybe it's not all that unusual. I don't know. But, I've always loved it, nonetheless.

Two Christmases ago, my mother bought me a metal hammering kit. You know, to like make jewelry. I was pretty darn excited. And now I'm even more obsessed.

So, I've started small.

But I have plans. Oh, do I have plans. Soldering. Bracelets. Rings. Much more.

HOH Fashion: Mila Kunis melts us wearing Elie Saab.

Hollywood's most glamourous night has passed and while James Franco and Anne Hathaway may be facing some grim reviews this morning, Hollywood stylists and handlers are surely celebrating victories with the gorgeous looks that walked last night's red carpet. Favorite young starlets rocked everything from Versace to D&G but our hands-down favorite was Mila Kunis in Elie Saab.

Any of you who love award shows like we do may have recognized Saab's singular technique - subtle palate, ultra-feminine silhouette, and serious attention to detail. What's most remarkable is the fact that Mr. Saab is completely self-taught and has made his place amongst the best design houses despite humble beginnings in Beirut. Just another example of how that can-do spirit can really bring you places.

House of Her News

Hello, lovely ladies [and gentlemen].

An announcement: House of Her will be taking a [slightly] new direction. I've joined forces with a dear friend of mine, the lovely Miss Victoria Mueller, who will be joining me as a co-author of House Of Her. Together, we plan to transform the lives of lovely ladies like us: newly married, lovers of all things unique, chic, and gourmet, and, best of all, do-it-yourself.

We'll be sharing great recipes, home decor, entertaining tips, shopping, traveling and a whole lot more.

We hope you'll stay tuned.