Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Marie Antoinette by Raynaud Tableware Will be Discontinued


It's the end of an reign... At the end of this year, 2011, Raynaud dinnerware will discontinue their Marie Antoinette pattern, and their Chambord shape molds will be destroyed at this time, too. Marie Antoinette is a majestic white porcelain, complete with a gold trimming, well suited for the royal namesake. Sallie home still has a stock of the Marie Antoinette pattern, but when it's gone it will be gone forever. So, make sure you have all the pieces you need filled in!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Small Business Saturday! Shop Local


This November 26th is a big day for everyone at Sallie home. It’s the second annual Small Business Saturday, when people across the country come out and shop to support local businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the glue that holds communities together, so come out and support Sallie home.

For all you American Express card users out there, American Express is giving a $25 statement credit(1) to 100,000 Cardmembers who register their Card and use it to shop on Small Business Saturday at any locally-owned, independent small businesses that accept American Express. Visit the American Express Facebook.com fan page to preregister an eligible credit card.

See you November 26th at Sallie home!

Don’t forget to “Like” and recommend us on Facebook at facebook.com/salliehome

Monday, November 21, 2011

Julie Wear Trunk Show - November 30th

Julie Wear is a world renowned for her famous paintings of horses. Her original paintings are prized possessions of an elite clientele in the rich and colorful world of Thoroughbred Horse Racing. Even Queen Elizabeth II commissioned Wear to paint her beloved stallion, the painting hangs in Buckingham Palace.

Julie Wear expanded her painting talents and created a line of fine porcelain tableware. Many of her tableware patterns focus on the thing that made her famous, horses. However, her collection is complete with birds, flowers, and garland – and is continually expanding her portfolio.

On Wednesday, November 30th, 2011, Julie Wear display her collection of fine porcelain dinnerware and original paintings at Sallie home, new retailers of Julie Wear products. Wear will be showing her dinnerware and painting at Sallie home from 10am – 5pm. During this time, she will be happy to answer any questions you might have. If in the area, please come and see her amazing works!

For more information, please call 1-800-257-9167 or e-mail info@salliehome.com

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Grainger McKoy: Much More Than A Bird Sculptor

Grainger McKoy knows a little bit about the brilliance of birds. He has made a career as an artist by expressing this brilliance to the public. Through wood carvings, McKoy looks at the beauty of birds, as well as the pursuit of flight. The High Museum of Art in Atlanta currently has an exhibition of Grainger McKoy's sculptures. His exhibition will be at the Atlanta museum through January 8th, 2012.

Grainger Mckoy is first and foremost a sculptor, but by pushing wood carvings to their limit, he has opened a new territory. He has turned his sculptures into a more portable form of art; it has taken the shape of jewelry. Like his sculptures, each jewelery design is of or about a bird, and each starts with a piece of wood and a sharp blade. You can view his collection here, at Sallie home. Whether a waterfowl hunter or just a bird lover, his jewelery is for you. It is simply stunning!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Duck Season: Breast of Wild Duck

You've been duck hunting all morning and now you are driving home, bringing back some birds, and dreaming of a delicious dinner. But first, you'll have clean them before you can turn your ducks into table fare.

After all this cleaning, you just want to be able to cook an easy, but amazing meal. Well here is the recipe for that! Sallie Kramer of Sallie home lets you in on her favorite and easy-to-do recipe that she actually uses for cooking her husband's ducks.

First, you preheat your oven to 500 degrees. Place your skinless and boneless breasts of duck in a skillet, make sure it is an oven-proof skillet. Now, liberally cover the breasts with butter and season with Lawry's Seasoned Salt.

Once the oven is preheated, place the skillet in the oven and broil the duck. After 3 minutes, turn the breast on the other side, broil this side for another 3 minutes. After the 6 minutes of cooking, remove the duck from the skillet, put on a platter and keep it warm. Sallie likes to keep the duck warm by tenting the platter with foil.

Now, pour Sherry into the same skillet that you just removed the duck breasts from. Bring the Sherry to a boil and scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to remove any off the cooked-on bits. After you do this, ignite the sherry with a match and let the flame burn out on its own. The flame will burn off any left over alcohol.

Carve the duck in diagonal slices - It should be rare (135 degree Fahrenheit).

Spoon the sauce on the plate and place duck slices on top the sauce. Serve right away.

As far as sides go, Sallie says, "wild rice goes with duck like a hand for a glove." For a green, Sallie prefers fresh string beans or asparagus.

A simple and easy meal that we hope you'll enjoy. Happy hunting...

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Le Jacquard Francais 3-Day Table Linen Sale for the Holidays!


Just in time for the holidays! Save 20% on luxurious Le Jacquard Francais table linen; a wonderful savings for a wonderful product! Le Jacquard Francais is a french linens company specializing in the finest linens for your table – every shape, size, pattern, and color! The sale begins Thursday, November 3rd and continues until close on Saturday, November 5th.

This sale only lasts 3-Days, so don’t delay…

Shop Le Jacquard Francais today!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

A Color for Every Table


In celebration of SFERRA’s 120th anniversary, they launched Linen Colors by SFERRA, a new mobile app that coordinates your table linens perfectly with your dinnerware.

Download the app on your iPhone or iPad, take a photo of your dinnerware, touch any color on the image and instantly get its match from 101 difference colors of Festival Table Linens!

It’s a great app that makes a world of difference when picking out the perfect complimentary table linen! No more playing it safe with white, color your life with Festival Table Linens by SFERRA.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Get In On The Magic Of The Glennon Card at Sallie home

Sallie home is proud to announce that they are participating in the Glennon Card Shopping Event, October 28th – November 5th. This event is a fundraising program of the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation and the Cardinal Glennon Guild.

To participate in the Glennon Card Shopping Event, you must purchase the Glennon Card, which is available at glennon.org for $50 and is 100% tax deductible. All proceeds of the card go to benefit SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center. In return, the cardholder will receive 20% off (some exclusions may apply) during the 10-day period at over 225 participating merchants, like Sallie home!

Glennon Card PSA

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Fire and Ice - The New Peacock Alley Fall Bed

Peacock Alley has chosen a fire and ice look for this fall. Their mood for their fall bedding melds gray and ginger for elegance and warmth. The foundation of the ensemble, that cools down the bed, includes Soprano sheets, napa woven washed duvet cover and an All-Season blanket in their new color, Flint. The palette is fired up with Corsica contemporary herringbone duvet, shams in Ginger. It’s the perfect bed to bring you into the fall/winter season – it juxtaposes the reds and oranges of the falling leaves of the fall with the snowy landscape of winter.

Friday, August 26, 2011

End of Summer Sale: Yves Delorme Linens


The end of the summer brings the End of Summer sale. Yves Delorme, renowned French manufacturer of luxury linens in crisp percales and luscious sateens, is pleased to offer their annual End of Summer sale for a number of its designer collections. Lucky for us, this means from now until September 10th, the public can get 40% off some amazing patterns in bath and bed, like Architex, Athena Acier, Col Monte, Cyclamen, Gatsby Acier, Gatsby Mist, Gatsby Taupe, Ipanema, Triomphe Acier, Vence, and Vice Versa. In addition to these great patterns, you can get 20% off items from their tried and true solid bed and bath linen collections, Athena, Triomphe, Etoile Towels, Eden Mats, Plume, Olympe.

Come early for best availability, once an item is out of stock, you’re out of luck. To view Yves Delorme, visit us atwww.salliehome.com. If you’re out of town, call 1-800-257-9167 to place an order with discount. If in St. Louis, visit us today! 9821 Clayton Road 63124.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

The Year of the Dragon: 2012

Next year, 2012, is the Year of the Dragon. The Dragon is a creature of myth and legend. In ancient China, the celestial Dragon represents an emperor and power. Today, it is the ultimate auspicious symbol signifying success and happiness. Varga Crystal has magnificent dragon-etched stemware, so you can raise a glass next year and rightfully toast to success and happiness. You can fill your whole set with a Double Old Fashion, Champagne Flute, Highball, Water Glass, and Wine Glass. If you aren't into toasting and you would rather celebrate with a delicious meal, take a look at Dragon Constellation by Raynaud China. The beautifully painted dragon candy dishes and jar will make a great gift for the new year. However you choose to celebrate the Year of the Dragon, do it in style. May the celestial Dragon bring good luck to everyone!

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Tea Party

Day after day the temperatures in St. Louis have reached well over 90 degrees. I think my body is now made up of 90% iced tea as I am fighting to beat this heat and stay hydrated. My iced tea concoction of choice is the Arnold Palmer. I'm not a huge fan of sweet teas, so the lemonade sweetens the tea up but not as much as pure sugar. When in a pinch, I'll take a regular iced tea doctored up with a packet of Splenda.

For a party, a shower, or a luncheon, you have to dazzle up your
tea, just like the classic Japanese tea rituals do. To do so, you just need a few fancy flourishes. I like a tall glass, like the Abigail's Water/Iced Tea glass, accompanied with a long, ornate spoon, made long enough to stir the sugar crystals at the bottom. A nice heavy crystal or glass pitcher, such as the William Yeoward's Wisteria Covered Pitcher, is also nice to have on hand for a beautiful iced tea luncheon celebration. The clear vessel allows for a beautiful presentation with mint leaves or fruit.

Here is an extra special tea recipe I like to serve at my luncheons:
6 Bag tea (you can use Liptons or Luzianne)
2 quarts water
1/4 cup superfine sugar
1 cup orange juice
6 mint sprigs
1/2 lemon
1 orange
cloves

To make this tea: Steep the tea bags in boiling water for three minutes. Chill the tea. Before serving, stir in the sugar, orange juice, and mint sprigs. Pour the tea in your serving pitcher. Slice your lemons and oranges and stick each slice with 3-4 cloves. Add fruit to the top. Voila! a delicious iced tea recipe, that's not overly sweet!

Friday, July 22, 2011

The Magic Tablecloth

I recently found these wonderful French tablecloths. I call them my Magic Tablecloths. These table linens look just like silk, but they are... shhhhhhhhhh ...polyester! Which means they are machine washable. Did I mention they are perfect for every occasion?

One day it was rather chilly in the shop, but there were my Magic Tablecloths; they were calling to keep me warm!

When I wrapped the tablecloth around my shoulders, ideas for this tablecloth flooded into my head. Are you traveling to Tahitti, Hawaii, Florida, or your pool this summer? Need a cover-up? My magic tablecloths are the perfect thing... Check the internet for many ways to tie them!

Then, after a long day in the store, all I want to do is lie in bed and read. My magic tablecloth is the perfect cover up. Guess who is under it?
Ava...of course!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Bastille Day Sale: July 14th - 23rd


Yves Delorme brings their French "Art de Vivre" to the USA for the annual Bastille Day Sale and celebration. Come and experience the French lifestyle and save 20% on all Yves Delorme European bed and bath linens! Yves Delorme is internationally acclaimed for its fine European linens. These luxury linens are distinguished by the uncompromising quality and meticulous attention to detail that is the heritage of French couture.

If you are one of the first customers to purchase Yves Delorme linens during the sale, you will receive a 2011 limited edition Bastille Day Tea Towel. The theme of this year's tea towel is a motif of antique keys from the Bastille Tower jail. The original key was a gift from the Marquis de Lafayette to George Washington in 1790. The key symbolizes freedom and democracy; the cornerstone of both the French and American Revolutions!

In addition to Yves Delorme, we have more fabulous bath and bed linen brands on sale, like Peacock Alley! Come and experience the joy of luxury linens this July 14th-23rd! Find up-to-date details by clicking "I'm attending" on Facebook!

Friday, July 1, 2011

The Newlywed Bed

Often times, brides forget to register for bedding. But isn't this where the magic happens for a newly wed couple? I think this is a big mistake, bedding should definitely be on the registry! Here are some things to think about when registering for bedding:

Style. Two styles merge into one. Will your husband want to sleep under a floral duvet? Start the marriage out with compromising - something you'll need to learn a lot about ;) Pick a style and look that you both will feel comfortable with.

Quantity. You will want to register for at least two sets of sheets (three if you have a guest bedroom). This allows you to have one set in the laundry while the other set is on your bed. This way your bed will never go bare!

Padding. You and your soon-to-be husband deserve to start your life together fresh. Think of adding a feather-bed or mattress pad to your mattress. These products a more comfortable bed for a good night's rest. They can also help to absorb movement - so when he rolls over, he won't wake you! Pillows also make a difference in a restful night, so if you don't have good ones, now is the time.

Quality. Bedding is an investment, with care it should last a long time. So, now is the time to get the good stuff! It would be a shame to have to throw away a gift a guest gave you after just a few short months...

Please keep these things in mind when creating your bridal registry. Sallie home has everything you'll need to start a beautiful life together, register now with just a click!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Cool off with Percale

We've already had a lot of hot summer nights in St. Louis. Sometimes so hot, it's hard to sleep. But I find with great Percale sheeting, it's easier to have a good nights rest during the summer. Percale isn't a type of fabric, rather, it is the weave of the fabric. Percale is a tightly woven, plain-weave fabric, be it cotton, polyester, a combination of both, etc...

This type of weave makes for a crisp, but soft, texture. What more, it is very light weight and though it has a tight weave, it is still one of the most breathable weaves. It is invigorating to slip under these covers...somehow these sheets always feel cool to the touch. Percales are the perfect sheet for the summer!

Sallie home's favorite percales include, Peacock Alley's Lryric and Calypso; Scandia Home's Classic Natural Percale, and Sferra's Celeste Sheets!

Friday, June 17, 2011

Kim Kardashian's Bridal Registry Revealed!

This week, Kim Kardashian's bridal registry was revealed! She is set to marry NBA player, Kris Humphries, and like every bride, she looked so excited as she created her bridal registry! As you may expected, this reality star, known for her stylish, sophisticated taste, has chosen some great luxury items! From brands like Christofle to Hermes to SFERRA to William Yeoward - she covers the whole house.

From Kim's list, check out these personal favorites. For her dinner partys, guests will be wiping their mouths and protecting their laps with Sferra's Festival Table Linen - she chose the color, butter. Kim must be a Martini Girl, from William Yeoward, she has requested two types of Martini glasses: Country Martini and Vesta Martini, plus a crystal Jerry Cocktail Shaker. You can register yourself for these items, at Sallie home's bridal registry!

Best wishes to Kim and Kris from Sallie home.

(Image: From left: Kim Kardashian, Kris Humphries and Kris Jenner. From Trovarelli/Biagi/AKM Images)

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Summer Entertaining Recipe, An O-list Favorite!

Entertaining at home is so much nicer than going out to a restaurant. It is more relaxed, comfortable and conducive to conversation. But, there is no need to stress about creating a gourmet meal, there are ways to cut corners. Here is a great appetizer recipe from Bella Cucina for Hot Artichoke Dip that requires minimal cooking skills and supplies:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix one 6 oz jar of Bella Cucina's Artichoke Lemon Pesto with 1/4 cup mayonnaise, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Put mixture into a baking dish and bake until the top is golden brown and the dip is bubbly. This takes approximately 25-30 minutes. Serve with dipping crackers or rustic bread.

Voila! You have a great tasting, amazing appetizer! The Artichoke Lemon Pesto has even received nods from Oprah on her O-list. Bella Cucina makes cooking simple and is now available at Sallie home.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Don't Forget your Father!


1. We the people...say this is a great Father's Day Gift, "The Constitution of the United States of America" illustrated and inscribed by master calligrapher Sam Fink. Fink adds sense of humor and a profound touch to the rights we were given as a citizen of the United States 219 years ago by our founding fathers!
2. Let the games begin! Impressionist, Edgar Degas' painting, 'Before the Race" appears on the backing of each card. These "Before the Race" playing cards class up a boys night out of poker, cigars, and booze.
3. On the Rocks. Steuben Glass' mid-sized Verve Double Old Fashioned is an excellent match for any rocks drink or whiskey straight-up. Pair this with your Dad's favorite liquor and what could be better?
4. Extremely smart. Put your favorite father/daughter, father/son memory in a handsome William Yeoward frame. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words.
5. Grill with the best of em'. Over the years, the Vagabond House BBQ has become our number one "Dad gift." Made of naturally shed antler, it just makes grilling look so manly.
6. Birds! 50-60 million Americans count birding among their hobbies. Whether he is a bird hunter or just an avid bird watcher, the book, "50 Places to go Birding Before You Die" is for him! Gorgeous images and great travel destination ideas. And if he's not a bird-man, we have a book for Fly Fishing hot spots, too!

For more information or for other Father's Day Gift ideas, visit www.salliehome.com

Friday, June 3, 2011

What did Matt Give the Pope on the Today Show?


Two days ago, Matt Lauer from the Today Show met with Pope Benedict XVI. Matt gave the Pope a grey box with a light grey ribbon as a token of his appreciation. Being a connoisseur of nice things, I know this was definitely a signature Steuben Glass box! But what was inside? According to Steuben, Matt gave the Pope Steuben's "Curious Cat." I guess the Pope is a cat lover?! Either way, it is a beautiful crystal glass sculpture - fit for a pope! You can purchase this same cat at www.salliehome.com, the same store who provided the bedding for Pope John Paul II during his 1994 visit to St. Louis, MO!

Sallie Says...


"Father's Day gifts always seem to be the hardest gifts to find. Until now! Something very interesting has happened at our store. I brought in the book, "The Constitution of the United States of America." It is inscribed and illustrated by master calligrapher, Sam Fink....and it is flying out the door. We even has a law office call us for book orders. It is so beautifully executed. A true masterpiece! Every father would be happy to receive one this Father's Day!"


Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Classic Needlepoint on Shoes?!


Needlepoint pillows, needlepoint belts, needlepoint key-chains, and now needlepoint shoes! Yes, please! By Paige needlepoint shoes are genius. Each mule, loafer, and ballet flat are hand-stitched using petite point and are fully lined with soft leather. They come in fun patterns and designs. Our favorites are the ballet Fleur de Lis, Anchor, and Bees. You can also get a pair monogrammed for a personalized flair. These shoes are great with jeans or you can dress them up for a nice occasion. By Paige needlepoint shoes are now available at and through Sallie home!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

College Graduation Gift Ideas


1. Elias Artmetal Wreath of Triumph Pewter Frame - For a great gift, take their graduation picture and then display it in this great frame, showing off their great triumph! A true accolade to a great accomplishment.
2. Vagabond House English Pewter Mug - Have their name, date of graduation, and school emblem engraved for a great trophy display. Every time they take a sip they can remember their school days.
3. Yves Delorme bedding - Start their new life out right with fabulous bedding - wherever they may go. This is something special and needed that people seldom think of.
4. Steuben Glass Crystal Desktop Sculptures: They have the Research Prism Cube for the teacher or scientist, the Scales of Justice for the law school graduate, and the Caduceus for the medical student.

Find more gift ideas at www.salliehome.com or find us on facebook!

Friday, May 13, 2011

Yves Delorme May Bedding Special

Even though it's already past Mother's Day, Yves Delorme is celebrating Mother's all May long! For the month of may, enjoy 30% off all bath linens and 30% off their featured bed of the month,Souffle. The Souffle bedding consists of a light green, tight leaf-like pattern, coupled with a soft sprigs of green flowers on white sheeting. This pattern is very versatile. Depending on your ambiance, it can be elegant and grown-up, or it can scream sophisticated innocence. Either way, it's a breath of fresh air for any bedroom! And at 30% off, it's a yes!

To view our entire Yves Delorme collection, please visit us at www.salliehome.com

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Charlene Bry Book Signing For "Ladue Found" At Sallie home

Friday, May 6th, 2011 – Ladue News co-founder, Charlene Bry, will be at Sallie home, May 6th from 5 to 7 p.m. celebrating the release of her new book, Ladue Found. The night of the event, this new book will be available for purchase and can be signed by the author. A portion of the book’s proceeds will be donated to the Bry Family College Scholarship Fund at Ladue Horton Watkins High School.

Ladue Found documents the history of Ladue, not only telling “the story of the city’s transformation from a rural to regal locale, but also its charming characters including a Madame, Gypsies, Peter A Ladue, and residents whose names are marked for the streets.”

Formerly, author Bry was a reporter and columnist at the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, the co-founded the Ladue News, and started a company that introduced boot jewelry. Ladue Found is Bry’s second book; in 1989 she co-wrote the book, A World of Plants: The Missouri Botanical Garden. Currently, she is working on her MLA master’s degree at Washington University.

Come and discover the fascinating history of Ladue with Charlene Bry’s new book, Ladue Found, at Sallie home located at 9821 Clayton Road on May 6th from 5-7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information, please call 1-800-247-9167 or e-mail at info@salliehome.com.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Rendezvous at Night: Harrison Howard comes to Sallie home April 28th

Sallie home will welcome well-known American artist, Harrison Howard, to the store Thursday April 28th, 2011. For one-night only, Howard will display a hand-picked selection of his artwork at Sallie home beginning at 5pm. This event is free and open to the public! All artwork will be available for purchase.

Most known in St. Louis for his original artwork on the cover of St. Louis Seasons Magazine, Howard has spent most of his professional career devoted to mural work in private houses – including screens, panels, easel paintings, and watercolors. His work has caught the eye of founding families of large American corporations like the Dupont’s, the Vanderbilt’s, and the Firestone’s, as well as popular celebrities like Kristie Alley.

Since starting his career at the age of nineteen, Howard’s art has focused on decorative themes, including architectural subjects, chinoiseries, and scenes often with birds, animals or floral motifs. He has worked extensively with alkyd paints, oils, and to a lesser extent, acrylics. On the night of April 28th, Howard will display a select collection of his giclee prints.

Hors d'oeuvres will be provided by Clayton's own Mosaic Bistro and Bocci Bar!

Come and discover the fascinating work of Harrison Howard at Sallie home, 9821 Clayton Road, St. Louis, Missouri on April 28th from 5-8 pm.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Sferra Bedding Feels Effects of Higher Cotton Prices


Paul Hooker, president of upscale bedding brand, Sferra, talks to Fox Business about the rough patch that has hit the bedding industry. The rough patch was caused by cotton prices hitting a historic, 100 year high. This, unfortunately, has made it hard for Hooker to find the softest cotton for the softest prices, something he and his company prided themselves on.

According to Hooker, it has become harder to negotiate cotton buying prices; negotiation has basically become nonexistent. Sferra has been forced to knock up product pricing so as to maintain the quality of their bedding just as many clothing companies, like Gap and JCPenny, have done. This is instead of switching to something cheaper like synthetic cottons and fibers.

Good news is, cotton farmers have started planting more cotton in hopes to get costs back to normal. Here's to hoping prices of cotton, gas, and coffee go back down!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

10 Things to Know About Bridal Registry

If you are among the masses who recently got engaged over this post holiday season, or know someone that did, here are some tips and advice before you start registering.

1. This is your ultimate wish-list. It's okay to ask for "splurge" items.
2. When creating your registry, don't be afraid to ask in-store consultants questions and advice.
3. Always register for more gifts than you have guests. And remember to choose gifts for all price ranges to give guest options.
4. Register more than one place to make it easier for guests to buy gifts, and make sure these stores have online bridal registries for out of town guests.
5. Register early so guests can rely on your registry for all gift giving events, including the engagement party, bridal showers, and the wedding.
6. Think of the sort of living and entertaining you want to do - and select items accordingly. Will you ever need that Soup Tureen? Do you want sterling silver?
7. When it comes to tableware, it is okay to mix patterns and shapes.
8. Include your husband in the registry decisions - he will be using these items, too.
9. Register items to consider: table, bath and bed linens; flatware; cookware and bakeware; dinnerware - everyday and fancy; crystal - white wine, crystal, champagne, and cocktail glasses; things for entertaining - cheese board, barware, candlesticks...
10. Give your registry information to your immediate family and those who are throwing parties and let them spread the word. If you have a wedding website, like knot.com, include a section for your places of registry.

Some popular registry brands to look at:
China: Raynaud, Anna Weatherley, J.L Coquet, William Yeoward, Philippe DeshoulieresAnnie Glass, Juliska
Flatware: Ricci, Couzon
Crystal: Varga, William Yeoward, Steuben Glass
Table Linens: Le Jacqaurd Francais, SFERRA
Bed Linens: Yves Delorme, SFERRA, Peacock Alley, Matouk, Scandia Down
Bath Linens: Matouk, Yves Delorme, Peacock Alley, Abyss and Habidecor

Visit Sallie home's online registry, today. You can e-mail info@salliehome.com for questions about the registry.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Great Recipe for Home Entertaining - Pheasant with Cranberry Peppercorn Sauce

I recently made this dish for a dinner party, and it was a huge success; succulent, flavorful, and simple! I know some don't really care for Pheasant, but with the seasonings, it wasn't at all "gamey." But if you can't bring yourself to eat pheasant, you can easily substitute a roasting chicken or turkey breast. Here is the recipe for 4 guests, as it appears in "An American Bounty":

Ingredients:
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 whole pheasants, trussed
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup dry red wine
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns
2 tablespoons ruby port
2 tablespoons butter

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Dilute the cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water and set aside.
2. Pat the pheasants dry with paper towels and rub the skin with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavities with the thyme and bay leaves.
3. Place the pheasants on a rack in a roasting pan and roast for 55 to 60 minutes, to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, or until the juices show no trace of pink when the thigh is pierced with a kitchen fork.
4. Remove the pheasants from the roasting pan; set aside and keep warm. Immediately add the wine to the roasting pan. Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, stirring; scrape the pan well to release all the browned bits on the bottom. Pour the juices into a saucepan.
5. Add the broth, cranberries, sugar, and cracked peppercorns to the saucepan and simmer over medium heat until the cranberries are very tender, 10 to 12 minutes.
6. Stir the diluted cornstarch if necessary to recombine and add it to the sauce; simmer for 2 more minutes.
7. Stir the ruby port and butter into the sauce. Add salt to taste. Cut the pheasants in half and serve with the sauce.

I served this with wild rice and it went nicely with a Santa Ema Reserve Merlot. For presentation, this dish has beautiful color, so I simply chose to plate it on a clean white dinner plate, like Raynaud's Hommage Dinner Plate.