Raised Ranch Retreat
My first home just before I was married was a raised ranch. It was a nice, versatile home with an economical cost of living. The kitchen in these homes are pretty much the same layout and counter space is always at a premium. Like this month’s feature kitchen, I changed the design around to gain counter and cabinet space. The layout matters, and depends on the size of the home. This one was a good sized home with a cathedral ceiling, so it made it easier, and fun, to create the new space. I find that I love to put…
Drunken Cranberry Buttercream Frosting
If you love cranberries as much as I do, you’ll want to take advantage of this cranberry season to make this frosting for your favorite cake recipe. Excellent with an orange chiffon cake! Makes enough frosting for an 8″ or 9″ cake or 3 dozen cupcakes Ingredients: 2 c fresh or frozen cranberries 1/2 c water 1/4 c granulated sugar 3/4c egg whites at room temperature 3/4 lb. butter at room temperature 3/4 lb. confectioners’ sugar 4T cranberry liquor Combine the cranberries, water and 1/4c granulated sugar in a 2 quart saucepan. Put on high heat and bring to a…
Maple Mustard Salmon with Asian Slaw
Serves 4 1 center-cut salmon fillet, preferably wild Alaskan (about 1½ pounds) ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup 1½ tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard ¼ cup orange juice 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 to 2 teaspoons Sriracha hot chile sauce 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil 1 small clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger ½ teaspoon honey 1 bag (14 ounces) prepared coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots) 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds Directions Step 1. Heat…
Asian Reflection on the Vineyard
This job was one of the most interesting jobs that I have ever been involved in. I have worked with this client a few times before on some investment homes on the Vineyard, so I understood her style and taste. But she was struggling with the theme of this home, so on my visit to measure the areas, after framing was done, I was able to get a theme going for her. I have included pictures of the day I measured, and after photos of the whole home, inside and out to give a feel for the size of the…
Dry Rub for Pork Ribs
I just tried this dry rub, and it’s yummy! Put the rub on the ribs and refrigerate overnight. Cook the ribs in the oven or on the grill, using either a barbecue sauce or a mop for the last hour or so of cooking. 2 tbsp fennel seeds 2 tsp cumin seeds 1 tbsp coriander seeds 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 tbsp kosher salt 2 tbsp smoked paprika 1 tbsp garlic powder 1 tbsp onion powder 1 tbsp ground cayenne 1 tbsp black pepper 1 tbsp dried oregano 1 tbsp dry mustard Toast the fennel, coriander and cumin seeds in a sauté pan until fragrant and oils have been released. Grind in a spice grinder until in powder form. Feel free to use ground…
Raynham Farmhouse Renovation
This month’s story is one of my favorite home cabinet renovations. It was for two good friends who completely renovated their old colonial farmhouse home. We designed and installed for the kitchen, pantry, bar and master bath. The theme was to stay with the old farmhouse feel but bring in today’s modern conveniences. After going through the process at the Boston Design Center with various businesses and designers, they came to me to help them out. Their frustration with the other places was the lack of anyone listening to them, even though it was a home that they have lived…
Get A Big Rustic, Coastal Look in This Affordable Priced Kitchen
Timeless white maple cabinetry, leather textured granite counters and plenty of storage makes this affordable priced kitchen look anything but affordable. One of the 5 new designs in the Wood Palace Kitchen’s Showroom, this beautiful rustic coastal kitchen is proof positive that you can get the look you want in an affordable priced kitchen. The secret? Working with a kitchen design company that listens to what you want and helps translate your ideas into a design you can afford that doesn’t skimp on quality, details and high end finishes. Take these countertops as an example. Steel grey granite that has…
There Is Nothing Old Fashioned About This Nostalgic Retro Kitchen
In one of our 5 new kitchen showroom designs, we have created a nostalgic retro kitchen that holds all the fond memories of the past and combines them with the latest custom designs and modern appliances of the future. We all love nostalgia. The past evokes fond memories of family, friends, good meals and good times. All of the things you want in your new kitchen. This kitchen’s white, timeless, custom inset cabinetry is the perfect backdrop for red accents right down to the red background in the glass cabinetry and the red knobs on the high end cooktop. The…
Zucchini Noodles with Basil-Pumpkin Seed Pesto
Prep Time: 20 mins Total Time: 20 mins Yield: 4 servings Fresh, raw zucchini noodles tossed with basil pesto and cherry tomatoes make a light, healthy meal. Make this recipe for lunch or dinner, or serve it as a side! Recipe yields 4 generous main dish servings. INGREDIENTS Basil-pumpkin seed pesto 1/2 small yellow onion, roughly chopped* 1 garlic clove, roughly chopped 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves (arugula works, too) 1/2 cup pepitas (green pumpkin seeds), toasted** 1/3 cup olive oil 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar, to taste (or lemon juice) Pinch of red pepper flakes Salt, to taste Zucchini noodles 3…
Flip or Flop
I am sure you probably have seen HGTV’s show, Flip or Flop? I watch it a lot. It’s about a couple that flips homes for a living. I have been flipping homes here and there since 2007 as a hobby. I love taking ugly homes that need a lot of work and changing them into a show home. This month’s feature is one that I completed last year in Raynham. When I first looked at this foreclosed home, I was glad that I had taken the time that day to go see the home. It was a wreck and had…