Official Bottega Veneta Chat Thread - Lets Chat!!!

[LLANeedle]

LT, one of these days my dd will be home long enough to teach me how to post pics.

Boxermom, I knew I liked you!

It looks like a fair number of us like dogs and cooking as well as BV. I for one would love anyone's recipes....a hint to Jane for her tandoori chicken recipe.

This thread sure is popular!

[alexis77]

Doreenjoy--love the avatar! Nonni is a term I haven't found many people use. My mother is known as "Nonni" to her grandchildren, and I called my grandmother Nonni. It brings back great memories to hear it now. Do you know who the artist is? It reminds me of Vermeer for some reason, but I am most likely wrong.

Jane--The granola gifts are a wonderful idea, and I would love to add the recipe to my collection. Your photography is beautiful and Kona looks like a joy to be around!

LT bag lady--I live and breathe by my slow cooker. Today I made beef stew in the slow cooker. It always comes out perfect!

[88keys]

Originally Posted by LLANeedle

I'd like member's thoughts on cars. I'm looking to replace my 10 year old Mercedes 4-matic wagon. 4WD is a must here. We have enough snow and ice in the winter and I live in a hilly neighborhood and on top of the driveway from he**. I'm no longer hauling kids to sports or college so I no longer need a big car. I'd appreciate any feedback on a Subaru, small Ranger Rover, Lexus or BMW or any other brand I haven't thought of. For obvious reasons I'm staying away from American models. BTW, I think this is a great thread.

What about a Porsche Cayenne or VW Tourag? Í've seen their tv ads and these cars seem to be able to go almost 90 degrees without falling backwards! It's a concrete jungle in Singapore and yet we have so many of these around, I wonder why....

I love this BV forum. People here are so polite and civil, I've felt so welcome here - thanks everyone! In fact, it's so nice here I haven't bothered to hang around the other bag forums. The only other brand I like is Tod's and there's no separate forum for that, but it seems quite a few BV lovers like Tod's too. I love the pashmy but haven't been able to decide which one to get. I wanted a messenger and ended up getting the Kate Winslet bag which seems a little heavy. Think I'll end up with one of the pashmy messengers with the adjustable strap which is so light and great for travelling and so versatile.

[jane]

Granola
I think I got all the ingredients for this granola from the grocery store bulk bins, except the oil.

6 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
3 cups shredded coconut
4 cups assorted nuts, chopped: almonds, pistachios, cashews, whatever you want
1/2 cup of vegetable oil
1 cup *good* honey
2 cups dried cranberries

Mix together the oats, coconut, and nuts in a very large bowl (I used my 5 qt stainless mixing bowl).

Pour the oil into a pyrex measuring pitcher, then pour the honey into it. Pouring the oil in first keeps the honey from sticking to the sides. Blend the oil and honey. Then pour that into the oats mixture and, using your hands, mix well so that everything is coated. The hands is really the only way to do it.

Pour it into a baking sheet with high sides, making sure granola is less than an inch deep. Use two baking sheets if you can, so you can get it all cooked in one batch.

Bake at 350F for 30-35 minutes -- stirring well every 8 minutes with a wooden spoon so that everything is evenly browned. I also swapped racks every time I stirred, I made two sheets at once. Make sure it does not get too dark, it only needs to turn golden brown.

When it's done, take it out and drop cranberries over the top. Let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. Then remove from the baking sheets, it will break up into crispy granola at this point. Put into airtight containers or ziploc bags, and refrigerate. Enjoy.

[LT bag lady]

Thanks Jane! I think I'll be making this tonight.
Cheers,

[alexis77]

Thanks for sharing your granola recipe, Jane. I'm planning to steal your idea and make some to give away for Chirstmas! I'll post some pictures after I get it made and packaged.

[kroquet]

Jane - thanks! Sounds yummy and I will certainly make some of that for Christmas stocking stuffers for the kids.

[BookerMoose]

Why do I do this? It seemed like a wonderful idea at the time last night (after I got home from work at 12:30 am and walked the dogs until about 1 am) - to watch the Survivor finale... all three hours of it. Exactly why did I think going to sleep at 4 am was a good idea?! So now I am dragging my butt around and somehow have to keep it together to be productive at work today. But at least I saw the Survivor finale! Ugh - stupid me.

[jane]

I'm glad some of you will be making the recipe! Trust me, it is DELICIOUS. The people I've given it to in the past have raved about it.

[doloresmia]

Originally Posted by 88keys

What about a Porsche Cayenne or VW Tourag? Í've seen their tv ads and these cars seem to be able to go almost 90 degrees without falling backwards! It's a concrete jungle in Singapore and yet we have so many of these around, I wonder why.... I love this BV forum. People here are so polite and civil, I've felt so welcome here - thanks everyone! In fact, it's so nice here I haven't bothered to hang around the other bag forums. The only other brand I like is Tod's and there's no separate forum for that, but it seems quite a few BV lovers like Tod's too. I love the pashmy but haven't been able to decide which one to get. I wanted a messenger and ended up getting the Kate Winslet bag which seems a little heavy. Think I'll end up with one of the pashmy messengers with the adjustable strap which is so light and great for travelling and so versatile.

i have the most basic version of the porsche cayenne which means it has the look and elegance, but is as gas conscious as a big SUV can be. however, i have to admit, i have never tested the driving at 90 degrees thing. very useful size for a family.

[doloresmia]

jane - i love granola! am emailing this to my father as well who now in his later years has discovered he likes making homemade granola. go figure.

[bluefish]

jane - the granola recipe sounds so good! Thanks for sharing! I, too, enjoy making little holiday gifts to give to the staff in DH's department at work. This will be a nice change from the usual.

It's been relatively warm today - we're actually above freezing, but it's windy, and rainy, and the temperature is supposed to plummet after midnight tonight. BRRR!

[jane]

For packaging, use clear cellophane bags, which can be found in craft stores I think. I fill the bags only halfway, then fold the rest of the way down, seal with tape or a sticker, and then wrap the whole thing in twine or ribbon. I also attach a card that contains the ingredients just in case someone has an allergy or something. Or just hates cashews. (I don't use cashews!)

[boxermom]

Thanks, jane. Good recipes for gift goodies are much appreciated. You have a neat backyard--I'll bet the dog loves it!

88keys, some members, prob. including LT bag lady, have asked for a Tod's forum for a long time but so far, nothing. I love the brand too, but only have one, the restyled D bag media, I think it's called. It's not a large bag or heavy, but holds a ton and is very easy to get into and carry. Tod's is under-the-radar IMO. Last year or maybe last summer they had some styles and colors that I just loved--the leather was very soft and sort of folded/pleated/draped. They had some luscious blues. I was surprised they didn't continue the collection into this fall/winter, but they were very un-Tod's like.

[LT bag lady]

Oh, how I love my TODS...
But since I discovered BV, I've sold a few and will be selling more. I have even replaced my favorite TODS wallet with a BV .

Tonight's dinner Sheperd's Pie

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
• 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1 pound ground lamb (or substitute half with another ground meat)
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh or dry rosemary
• 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup milk (any fat content)
• Kosher salt to taste

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, heat the oil, then add the onion, carrot, and meat. Cook until browned, 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Drain the fat and add the broth, tomato paste, and herbs. Simmer until the juices thicken, about 10 minutes, then add the peas.
4. Pour the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart baking dish; set aside.
5. Meanwhile, bring the potatoes to a boil in salted water. Cook until tender, about 20 minutes; drain.
6. Mash the potatoes with the butter, milk, and salt.
7. Spread them over the meat mixture, then crosshatch the top with a fork.
8. Bake until golden, 30 to 35 minutes


Enjoy!
Cheers,

Originally Posted by boxermom

Thanks, jane. Good recipes for gift goodies are much appreciated. You have a neat backyard--I'll bet the dog loves it! 88keys, some members, prob. including LT bag lady, have asked for a Tod's forum for a long time but so far, nothing. I love the brand too, but only have one, the restyled D bag media, I think it's called. It's not a large bag or heavy, but holds a ton and is very easy to get into and carry. Tod's is under-the-radar IMO. Last year or maybe last summer they had some styles and colors that I just loved--the leather was very soft and sort of folded/pleated/draped. They had some luscious blues. I was surprised they didn't continue the collection into this fall/winter, but they were very un-Tod's like.