Spring is Finally Here

Happy Spring Dear Readers… I just wanted to say that… because it sounds like Julie Andrews from Bridgerton! I hope you are excited about the warm weather and the beauty of spring. I just walked by a house this morning with my dogs and noticed all the daffodils and spring flowers popping out all over. This weekend, take a walk and notice Spring all around you, and remember to savor every moment of this vibrant season and make the most of the opportunities it offers for rejuvenation and exploration. There are so many things to do now that spring is here. Here is my list: Start my seeds for my garden in Malibu Truth be told I am a bit late but since it has been so cold I thought I would wait a bit. I have saved my egg cartons. Boil up some eggs and plant the seeds directly into the shells (use egg cartons to hold them). I will be planting: basil, beefsteak tomatoes, zucchini, strawberries, and morning glory (my twin's birth flower)! Avocados I can’t believe I have avocados growing in my garden. I can’t wait to harvest them as they get bigger. More on this later. (I will be making guacamole all summer). Move my office to a larger room I have now decided that having a dedicated space for work at home and at work is soooo important. I have moved my office into a light-filled room, ready for all kinds of projects. Stay tuned for pictures of that transformation. Creating an Easter menu I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate Easter this year with my family and friends. I am going to my cousin’s house so I will be transporting many dishes. They live in a gorgeous home at Point Dume so we will play pickleball, have a spring signature cocktail, and have a wonderful dinner. Everyone will bring something to the table. Below is a menu of what my cousin and I will be making. Easter Menu Cocktails by the Pickle Ball Court I wanted to think of something light and refreshing - Malibu Paloma with Elder Flower. We want something we can make in a pitcher to serve a crowd. We will have Easter cocktail napkins from Caspari and a pitcher from Lindean Mills to serve the cocktails in. Appetizers Light and easy to pop in your mouth after you do an ATP (around the post for you non-pickle people). Truffle potato chips, spring onion dip, crudite cut into little flowers. Being served in non-breakable melamine from Viteri. Apre Pickle My world-famous deviled eggs, crab cakes with garlic aioli, and charcuterie board (my daughter’s signature). We will be serving the above on Casafina Platters with lettuce to hold the eggs in place, and a new bamboo cutting board.
Main Course: Braised Leg of Lamb I always think of my Mom and Dad when I serve this. My Dad loved mint jelly. He liked the jam kind but I will make it with fresh mint - it’s more like a sauce than jam. I will be serving the sauce in a Mariposa small recycled aluminum bowl and spoon set, and a large Cantaria platter from Skyros. Bacon-wrapped shrimp with whipped goat cheese Easy and with just a bit of seasoning on the shrimp gets to the table quickly. I’ll put it on a bed of Arugula and it becomes a great salad. I will be serving the salad on a Skyros footed platter for height on the buffet. Asparagus This is the time of year for that. Add a side of Mellisa’s gluten-free hollandaise and it is light and yummy. It will be perfectly served on a Lastra platter from Vietri with Aladdin Pearl Handle Servers. Focaccia I will try my hand at fresh focaccia with flowers on it. I haven’t made it before but I think it is fun to try something new (I know most people say don’t, but I think that is the fun of cooking). Cous Cous with Spring Peas Colorful and light! Serving in a colorful bowl from Lily Juliet. Braised Carrots with a maple glaze Desert I am gluten-free so I have come up with an almond cake with vanilla and lemon. I make it all the time and will add some powdered sugar for a bit of a festive touch and rim it with edible flowers. I will be serving it on Vietri’s glass pink cake plate and glass dessert plates. Setting the Table It should be a beautiful day and we will eat outside by the fire. My Cousin Dave built this house and it has a gorgeous stone fireplace on the patio. The table will have one of the new tablecloths from Le Jacquard Francais. They are linen and so beautiful with many colors woven to give them depth. Flowers from the local farmers market and votive candles will shine on the table. The glassware is from LSA - big wine glasses filled with Sancerre or a big Cab to highlight the Lamb. It wouldn’t be Easter if I didn’t sprinkle easter eggs on the table and have chocolate bunnies nestled in the flowers! I hope this new season gives you a chance to enjoy nature, friends, and family and soak up the sun. Happy Spring! xx Elizabeth