Peanut Butter & Jelly Bread

by

Happy New Year friends! If you follow me on Instagram (@lydiahowerton) you’re probably curious about the recipe for this bread. Developed from a Paleo Bread recipe that I adapted many times until this creation was born, this bread is Gluten free, low carb, has no refined sugar, no dairy and it’s Paleo and Yeast-free diet friendly (if you use only almond butter and no banana). This is the IDEAL breakfast bread, all the fat and protein from the nuts and eggs keeps you full and satisfied much longer than regular toast.

Peanut Butter Bread Batter with Fresh Berries

I stud the nut butter batter with jewels: ruby raspberries and sapphire blueberries. Be sure to gently press them into the batter until they’re covered, so they don’t get crushed or all float to the top.

PB&J bread

Who knew that eggs and nut butter can bake up into a fluffy, spongy bread?

 

Peanut Butter & Jelly Bread

Whole berries baked inside. This bread is really best toasted and if your diet/lifestyle choice allows you than spread some Sqirl Blackberry+Meyer Lemon Jam on top.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Bread Recipe
makes one large loaf pan or 3 mini loafs

Ingredients
Grapeseed or Coconut Oil for greasing the pan
1/2 cup organic creamy almond butter
1 cup organic creamy peanut butter
1 ripe banana, well mashed (optional)
5 organic free range eggs
3 tablespoons agave syrup or honey (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 Teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice
1/2 cup organic blueberries, washed
1/2 cup organic raspberries, washed

Instructions
Lightly grease a loaf pan with oil. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients except for berries until well combined and pour into baking pan or pans. Evenly distribute the berries over the top of the loaf and gently press them into the batter until covered. Bake at 350 for 30 mins and check it with a knife or toothpick to make sure the center is cooked (knife should come out pretty clean). Some ovens will require the bread to bake longer. Just don’t overcook or it will be dry. Allow to cool 10 mins in the pan and then run a knife around the loaf to release it from the pan. Allow to cool and then enjoy (best when toasted!) Wrap the loaf well in plastic  and it will keep for 5 days on the counter or in the fridge.

xo,

Lydia

Holiday Treats for Gifting

by

Hi Friends! I apologize for the long winter’s nap I have (unintentionally) been taking from the blog. This time of year keeps us busy as elves in the kitchen at work so I have some fun recipes to share. Can I make it up to you with some SUPER SIMPLE holiday treats you can make in minutes and give as impressive gifts?

photo by La Femme Epicure

Peppermint Bark gets a whimsical update with a faux bois (wood grain pattern) silicone mat mold. Thanks to Martha for helping us hunt down the faux bois mold for the version we are making for our clients.

 

via Pinterest

Dip large salty pretzel rods in warmed chocolate the then coat with your favorite festive candies. Done.

 

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix Jars

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mixes all ready for gifting, just add hot water! We used this Alton Brown recipe and added some cinnamon, crushed peppermint candies and mini marshmallows as the top layers of the jar.

Reindeer Snack Mix

And finally a family secret from our chef Sarah Simms of La Femme Epicure… Reindeer Snack Mix. This is a recipe for all the non cooks out there, no baking required. Just gently mix all the ingredients together and scoop into a cute jar for gifting. So darling and yummy (and very dangerous to keep around).

Simm’s Family Reindeer Snack Mix Recipe

  • bitter sweet chocolate chips
  • semi sweet mini chocolate chips
  • butterscotch chips
  • white chocolate chips
  • reg holiday m&ms
  • peanut holiday m&ms
  • small skinny pretzel sticks
  • whole roasted, salted peanuts (no skins)
  • Whole roasted, salted almonds (with skins, obvs)
  • regular raisins
  • golden raisins
  • craisins (dried cranberries)
  • Chex Cereal

Mix gently together in a large bowl. Divide into jars, clear bags or pails or tins, etc. Tie with pretty ribbon or twine. Attach tag with label “Reindeer Snack Mix”

 

Have you forgiven me yet?

xo,
Lydia

Fall Whites

by

Can my Thanksgiving table still wear white after Labor Day? This year I’m going for a creamy neutral setting with hints of soft blue and grey for my family feast.

 All images via Pinterest

What do you think? Need help getting prepared for Thursday, follow our Thanksgiving Timeline (1& 2, 3, 4.) I just ironed my napkins and bought all my baking ingredients and pantry snacks.

xo,

Lydia

How much alcohol do I buy for a party?

by
A friend just asked me this question and I directed her to this Martha Party Calculator. Sarah used this formula for her wedding and we have used it for events we’ve catered and it has not let us down. Running out of alcohol at a party is never a good thing.

Party Calculator

Follow this guide to determine how much to buy. The primary rule: Buy plenty. You can use it later or return unopened bottles (check store policy before making your purchase).

Item and Quantity

Wine: One bottle per two people per hour

Beer: Two per person per hour

Spirits: One bottle per five people per hour

Mixers: Three bottles for each bottle of alcohol

Ice: At least one pound per person per hour

Martha Stewart Living, November 2009
xo,
Lydia

The Georgetown Academy Series

by

I hate to brag but I’m now friends with the authors of a soon to be MAJOR hit book series. In fact one of these authors was my roommate just after college and a bridesmaid in my wedding. I’m sure I’ll have a cameo once the movie/tv show is made, right?

“Georgetown Academy takes place at a prep school in D.C. where all the most powerful politicians send their children, and where one teenage misstep can turn into a national scandal faster than you can say CNN. The series combines the edgy fun of Gossip Girl with the snappy energy of The West Wing, with each book containing sharp, snarky commentary about party lines and current socio-political issues.”-Jessica Koosed Etting

 

Georgetown Academy is a Young Adult series that’s really smart and funny. I think any older soul who wants to escape to a world of saucy high school political princesses will love reading these books. The cliffhanger ending of Book One is so intense you will be grateful that Book Two is already out for IMMEDIATE download.

 

You can buy the books on Amazon or Barnes&Noble.com (only available on e-readers, tablets and computer download for now) and please spread the word with anyone you think might enjoy these stories. Let me know if you read it, I’m dying to discuss your fav characters.

 

kisses,

Lydia

Skinny Legs and All

by

After taking a second look at the fall fashion inspiration I’ve been collecting… I see a skinny leg theme. Sigh. Will just have to rock these looks with my real person thighs and be ok with it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maybe I should read some Tom Robbins to go with my skinny leg looks. Up first on my to wear list; white jeans with black boots and navy blazer.

 

xo,

Lydia

Wyatt in Martha Stewart Living Magazine

by

I’m so proud of my little brother Wyatt for making it into this month’s Martha Stewart Living (Nov 2012). His name isn’t credited but his sculpture in unmistakable in the Flora Grubb Gardens spread on page 161.

 

Here are the giant grass sculptures featured on his Wyatt Studio website.

 

Now Buck, Bobby and I have to work extra hard to get Martha to notice us and give Wyatt his own feature. Maybe an Ellison sibling spread?

 

xo,

Lydia

Fall Hibernation

by

image via

Happy Monday, lovebugs.

We’re heading into a wee hibernation for the next two weeks.  Time to buckle down with work and baby (when she finally comes).

We’ll be back in November. Until then, take care. We’ll miss you.

xx Sarah

Happy Weekend!

by

image via

 

Happy weekend, friends!

Every morning I wake up and ask the little bee in my belly if today is her birthday. So far…silence. We’re spending the weekend trying to distract ourselves from the waiting!

What are you up to?

A few things I’m loving this week:

Two favorite coconutty recipes:

Shanti’s granola

Nikki’s healthy cookies

Cashmere and a boat neck? In poppy please.

I’m hooked on The Skimm.

Do you juice? We just bought our first juicer (on sale!) and I’m excited to get going. Some starter juice recipes. (I’m afraid to try beets.)

This and this– my dream gourmet tailgate menu!

Baby ballet flats.  These are already waiting for my little one thanks to La Femme Epicure.

Enjoy this beautiful fall weekend.

xx Sarah

 

 

 

 

1 … 4 5 6 7 8 … 67