The Pergola Princess

I Gotta Have It! Friday!

chris@pergolaprincess.com (The Pergola Princess) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:13:00 +0000

I gotta have the ... The Outdoor Artisan Pizza Oven by Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet.

"Ovens lined with stone and topped by an arched roof are found across Italy for baking pizza and bread. Why? The stone creates a perfect crust and the low, arched top reflects radiant heat back to the pizza for even baking from both the top and bottom.

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet has taken the classic pizza oven design and updated it in stainless steel for worry-free outdoor use with the Outdoor Artisan Pizza Oven. "

Additional product detail and pizza recipes can be found at: Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet

Grill Menu for Father's Day

chris@pergolaprincess.com (The Pergola Princess) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:22:00 +0000

Give Dad a rest from the grill this Sunday and cook him a meal that will 'send him out of the ballpark'!

Check out the grill menu with a berry harvest theme from our friends at Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet!

Blueberry Pork Chops

Pork and fruit are well-matched, especially pork and blueberries. These glorious chops combine smoky, sweet and savory flavors for an entree that's perfect for a lucky dad.

Ingredients:

4 pork loin chops, preferably bone-in, about 1-1/2 inches thick

6 ounces pancetta, cooked crisp and broken up

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 pint blueberries

1/2 teaspoon smoked salt, plus salt for the chops

Extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

Preheat the grill for combination direct cooking and indirect cooking. The indirect zone should be at about 500°F.

While the grill is heating, lightly brush the chops on all sides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Smoked salt will jump start the smoky flavor, and is good to use for this recipe even when grilling over a wood fire. Leave the chops sitting at room temperature while the grill is getting ready, up to 20 minutes. Wash the blueberries and measure out the other ingredients at this time.

Grill the pork chops over direct heat for about 2 minutes per side and then transfer them to the indirect cooking zone. Close the grill and cook the chops for about 20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until an instant-read meat thermometer measures 155°F when inserted away from the bone.

As soon as you have moved the chops to the indirect zone, combine the maple syrup, blueberries and smoked salt in a large saucepan (although the ingredients would easily fit in a smaller pan, the broader bottom should help reduce the sauce more quickly) and bring to a strong simmer over medium heat. Stir the sauce frequently and avoid a rapid boil. If bubbles begin to build on top of bubbles, lower the heat to avoid burning the sauce.

When cooked to 155°F internal temperature, remove the chops from the grill and transfer to plates. Let the chops rest for 3 to 5 minutes. During this time, stir the cooked pancetta into the blueberry sauce. Top the chops with sauce, serve and enjoy.

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Grilled Blackberry Polenta Fennel Salad

Ingredients:

2 cups water

1 tablespoon butter

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt

3/4 cup polenta

6 ounces blackberries, cut in half lengthwise

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus some to brush on the polenta

2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

1 tablespoon honey

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

3 ounces fennel bulb, sliced very thin, plus the greens

Directions:

The polenta needs a couple of hours to set, so start it early or make it the night before. To make the polenta, bring the water to a boil in a medium sauce pan. Add the butter and stir to melt. Whisk in the polenta and salt and return to a simmer. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until very thick. Fold in the blackberries and transfer the mixture to an oiled 8" x 8" baking dish or plastic food container. Smooth the mixture out evenly with a spatula and let it cool. Once the polenta is cooled, cover it tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Prepare the grill for direct cooking at about 400°F.

While the grill is heating, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, honey and pepper to make the dressing. Remove the polenta from the dish and slice it into large pieces, about 4" x 4" so that they are easy to handle. Immediately before grilling, lightly brush both sides of each piece with olive oil.

Grill the polenta over direct heat until nicely marked and heated through, about 6 minutes per side. Remove from the grill and slice into cubes.

Gently toss together the grilled polenta, fennel and dressing. It may be best to use your hands in order to avoid breaking down the polenta too much. You might like it with a little more honey drizzled on top after plating if you find the fennel is particularly bitter.

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Caramel Strawberries with Grilled Shortbread and Cream Fraiche

Ingredients:

8 slices Sara Lee pound cake, thawed

About 4 tablespoons melted butter

1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced

1/3 cup caramel sauce, hot

About 6 ounces crème fraîche

Prepare the grill for direct cooking at about 500°F.

Brush both sides of each slice of pound cake with melted butter. The butter will help keep the pound cake from sticking to the grill. If you don't have anyone assisting you, combine the strawberries with the hot caramel sauce. Otherwise, they should be combined as the pound cake is coming off the grill.

Grill the pound cake over direct heat until nicely marked and heated through, about 1 minute per side. I find it best to use tongs for handling the pound cake on the grill.

Plate the pound cake (2 slices each) and top with the warm strawberry mixture and a dollop of cold crème fraîche.

Special Offer for Smith & Hawken Patio Furniture from EP Henry

chris@pergolaprincess.com (The Pergola Princess) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:32:00 +0000

Check out this offer from EP Henry......

Receive a $500.00 Smith & Hawken gift certificate with any EP Henry product purchase over $5,000.00.

If you are looking for inspiration on how to design or renovate your outdoor living room this spring/summer you must check out EP Henry's 2009 Hardscaping Project Guide! This is the must-have book for the season.

Even if hardscaping materials are not on your landscape project building list, you will benefit from paging through this 132 page brochure full of beautiful photographs of actual outdoor projects at "real homes owned by people just like you."

The photographs of patios, pool decks, outdoor kitchens, etc are a 'feast for your eyes'.

In addition to design ideas, the Project Guide also includes helpful hints on space planning and advice on how to build or upgrade your outdoor space one phase at a time.

Click here to request your very own EP Henry 2009 Hardscaping Project Guide.

EP Henry also offers financing and a lifetime guarantee!

One last note: This post is not a paid advertisement for EP Henry.

Fire Up the Grill! May is National Barbecue Month

chris@pergolaprincess.com (The Pergola Princess) — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:33:00 +0000

People's love affair with outdoor cooking is heating up as the HPBA (Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association) kicks-off May as National Barbecue Month and the beginning of the prime outdoor cooking season.

In honor of National Barbecue Month we will be featuring information on grills, outdoor kitchens, grilling recipes and other fun stuff all month long!

Here are some fun facts about barbecue, from the HPBA, to get the festivities started:

When we barbecue:
The most popular holidays for barbecuing are, in order, July 4Th (69%), Memorial Day (56%), and Labor Day (50%).

What we barbecue:
The most popular foods for barbecuing are, in order: burgers (82%), steak (79%), chicken (72%), and hot dogs (71%).

The most commonly prepared side dishes are, in order, corn (42%), potatoes (38%), and other vegetables (37%).

The most popular flavors of barbecue sauce are hickory, followed by mesquite, honey, and then tomato-based. The most common ingredient added to barbecue sauce is garlic, followed by brown sugar.

How we barbecue:
There are about as many styles of barbecuing as there are opinions - every one's got their own! Generally speaking, though, there are barbecue styles that dominate in different regions of the country. In the Carolinas, they can't agree whether sauce should be vinegar, mustard or tomato based, but they can agree on the meat the sauce goes on - pork.

In the Deep South, Georgia, Florida, and parts of Louisiana, you'll find that Cajun cuisine has had a strong influence. Regardless of whether you're barbecuing beef brisket, pork ribs, rabbit, or trout, chances are your taste buds will get a kick from a spicy marinade, sauce, or rub.
In other parts of the South, pork also rules.

In sunny California, lighter fare such as salmon is king of the grill. The Midwest is a barbecue hotbed - if you can't find a meat and sauce combination you like in Kansas City, you can't find it anywhere.

Our Utensils:
The most popular barbecue utensils are long-handled tongs, followed by grill cleaning brushes, and then long-handled forks and spatulas.

Competition barbecuing is one of the hottest hobbies in the country with hundreds of cook-offs held throughout all 50 states. The biggest and most famous are Memphis in May and The American Royal in Kansas City. Both cities stake their claim to being the barbecue capital of the U.S.

A Spoonful of Inspiration- A Man Named Pearl

chris@pergolaprincess.com (The Pergola Princess) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:45:00 +0000

I stumbled upon one of the most inspirational stories that I have seen in a very long time. Please do yourself a favor, take a one-hour break from your hectic life and tune into HGTV for the documentary A Man Named Pearl.

A Man Named Pearl tells the inspirational story of a self-taught topiary artist named Pearl Fryar.

"Trimming bushes, hedges and trees with more panache than Edward Scissorhands, Pearl has become an icon in his native Bishopville, South Carolina."

With no formal training, Pearl has been working on the sculptures in his 3.5 acre topiary garden (made from throw away plants) for several years.

Pearl graciously shares his beautiful garden and his incredible vision of hope and renewal with the public. When tourists arrive at Mr. Fryar’s garden, he stops whatever he’s doing and shows them around. He especially welcomes busloads of school kids--whom he inspires with his personal story and with words of wisdom about living up to your potential and fulfilling your dreams. We all can take a lesson from this humble, gentle man.

The supporting 'actress' in this documentary is Pearl's wife Metra. She is delightful and is the force behind Pearl's quiet strength.

"There's always going to be obstacles. The thing is, you don't let those obstacles determine where you go." Pearl Fryar

I Gotta Have It! Friday

chris@pergolaprincess.com (The Pergola Princess) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:30:00 +0000

I gotta have.....the Solaire Anywhere Portable Marine Infrared Grill!

Photo Courtesy of Rasmusssen Iron Works, Inc

This is a great gift for Dads and Grads!

The Solaire Anywhere Portable Marine Infrared Grill brings the benefits of direct-heat infrared grilling to your boat (Infrared grilling means no worries about 'no open flame' regulations), dock, condo balcony, backyard, RV, campsite - "anywhere" you want great grilled food!

This portable grill weighs less than 20 lbs, is made with 316 Marine Grade Stainless Steel, includes carrying bag, and uses 1lb. propane bottles.

The Solaire Anywhere Portable Marine Infrared Grill was listed in Barron's Magazine 'Gadget of the Week' and has been featured on the Food Network Show Unwrapped.

The Solaire Anywhere Portable Marine Infrared Grill can be purchased online or through a local Dealer.

Email or 'Comment' me to locate the absolute best price for this grill!

Additional product detail can be found at:Solaire Anywhere Portable Marine Infrared Grill

I Gotta Have It! Friday

chris@pergolaprincess.com (The Pergola Princess) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:16:00 +0000

Grab you favorite book and seek out your quiet spot in the yard in style!

The Hatteras Hammocks all weather Roman Arc hammock stand is the perfect addition to your backyard. The stand is made of all weather wicker and galvanized steel.

Hatteras Hammocks also have a wide selection of hammocks and hammock pillows.

The 'Breeze Jacquard' hammock (shown below) is one of my favorites.

The Hatteras Hammocks stand and hammocks can be purchased online or through a local Dealer. Email or 'Comment' me to locate the absolute best price for Hatteras Hammocks products.

All photos courtesy of Hatteras Hammocks

Backyard Transformation

chris@pergolaprincess.com (The Pergola Princess) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:18:00 +0000

No Photoshop here! The below are before and after pictures of a backyard project just completed by Outdoor Living by Tuscan in Delaware.

This project contained the following construction elements: Composite Deck (hidden fasteners), raised deck skirt panels (using Azek boards), curved stairs (using Azek boards and DecoRisers), attached pergola, attached 'wall' pergola above the French doors, and paver patio.

Rumor has it that the clients were an absolute pleasure to work with and are delighted with the design and quality of the work.

I hope these pictures inspire you to create the backyard of your dreams!

I Gotta Have It! Friday

chris@pergolaprincess.com (The Pergola Princess) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:46:00 +0000

I gotta have.....the Barlow Tyrie Dune Daybed and Ottoman!

This furniture screams 'permanent Caribbean vacation in your backyard!'

Photo courtesy of Barlow Tyrie

To find a dealer near you to purchase the Dune Daybed and Ottoman please visit http://www.teak.com/ or visit http://www.curranonline.com/ to purchase online.

Outdoor Room Eye Candy

chris@pergolaprincess.com (The Pergola Princess) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 23:52:00 +0000

The photographs of patios, pool decks, outdoor kitchens, etc are a 'feast for your eyes'.

In addition to design ideas, the Project Guide also includes helpful hints on space planning and advice on how to build or upgrade your outdoor space one phase at a time.

If you are not familiar with the EP Henry brand, acquaint yourself with this 105 year old company at http://www.ephenry.com/. You won't be sorry.

I am unable to include pictures from the brochure on this post due to copy right issues with EP Henry and their authorized hardscaping contractors. You can see them for yourself and request your own brochure at http://www.ephenry.com/HomeOwner/

One last note: This post is not a paid advertisement or product review initiated by EP Henry. As a outdoor living enthusiast and trend watcher....I do believe EP Henry sets the sales and marketing standard for homeowners.

I Gotta Have It! Friday

chris@pergolaprincess.com (The Pergola Princess) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:58:00 +0000

I gotta have...... the LaCosta Fire Pit and Patio Table!

Photo courtesy of California Outdoor Concepts

The fire pit and patio table is the perfect reason to 'get away' to your backyard! It will make an elegant addition to your patio or deck.

But wait....not only is this fire pit and patio table elegant.....it can multi-task like 'nobody's business'! Check out the additional accessories you can purchase...

Is it a fire pit? Is it a grill? Is it a beverage cooler?

Photo courtesy of California Outdoor Concepts

The LaCosta Fire Pit and Patio Table can be purchased online or through a local Dealer. Email or 'Comment' me to locate the absolute best price for the La Costa!

Additional product detail can be found at http://www.californiaoutdoorconcepts.com/

Elements of an Outdoor Room

chris@pergolaprincess.com (The Pergola Princess) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:29:00 +0000

Photo Courtesy of Fire Stone Home Products

I got so excited writing about pergolas that I completely forgot to go back to the basic question - what elements make up an outdoor room?

There are a number of elements that are used to create an outdoor room but the most important thing to remember is that you do not need to incorporate all of the elements to make up an outdoor room and/or you do not need to do it all at once. That is the beauty of an outdoor room...just like furnishing and decorating an indoor room. You can do it in stages.

The basic question to ask yourself regarding creating your own outdoor room is how am I going to use this space? Relaxation? Entertaining? Quiet oasis?

The two basic elements of any outdoor room is shelter and flooring.

Options for a shelter element could be: a pergola (but of course!), awning, cabana/pool house, gazebos, etc.

Options for flooring: pavers, decking (wood and composite), stone, concrete (stamped and stained), etc.

The remaining elements to beautify and add comfort to your outdoor room are: cooking (grills, refrigerator, pizza oven, sink, etc), hearth (fire pits, fire places, chimneas, etc), furniture (dining tables, chairs, couches, hammocks, etc), accessories (heaters, artwork, sculptures, ceiling fans, planters, outdoor TVs and stereos), and lighting (table lamps, lanterns, sconces, etc).

Remember - adding an outdoor room can enhance the usable square footage and raise the resale value of your home by as much as 30 percent! In today's economic times...that makes cents!

I Gotta Have It! Friday

chris@pergolaprincess.com (The Pergola Princess) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:04:00 +0000

I gotta have the.....S'more Maker!

Making s'mores over your fire pit has never been easier.

Say goodbye to sticky fingers and watching marshmallows incinerate in your fire pit leaving nasty smelling black ash all over your logs! Yuk!

The S'more maker is made by Rome Outdoor Living Products and can be bought online at Amazon and Best Nest.

Pergola Materials. So Many Options. So Many Decisions.

chris@pergolaprincess.com (The Pergola Princess) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 13:26:00 +0000

Deciding on what material to build your pergola is an important decision. You are investing your time and money and you want to get it right the first time!

As stated by our friends at Backyard America -

" There isn't one material that is perfect for everyone. Cost, structural properties, and ascetics are just a few of the differences that are important in considering what you want your pergola to be fabricated from"

Backyard America put together the below material comparison chart to help their customers choose the best pergola material/kits. Please note: not all pergola material available is listed in this chart (redwood, yellow pine, etc).

* Vinyl with treated wood or aluminum reinforcement

** Prices vary with sizes, type of column, and other options. Price range is for rough comparison only.

*** Use a paint designed for vinyl such as Sherwin Williams exterior paint with VinylSafe® Technology or Krylon's Fusion for Plastic®

What the Heck is a Pergola?

chris@pergolaprincess.com (The Pergola Princess) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:44:00 +0000

For the Merriam-Webster geek in all of us a pergola is pronounced:
\ˈpər-gə-lə, pər-ˈgō-\ and is defined as "a structure usually consisting of parallel colonnades supporting an open roof of girders and cross rafters".

I like to pronounce 'pergola' as \purr-ga-la\ or purr (happy cat)- ga (baby's first word) - la ("a note to follow so").

For the purposes of this blog and all future posts - a pergola is a garden/patio overhead structure that is typically built with posts and beams. Pergolas can range in size from small enough to just cover a walkway to large enough to span a deck or patio area.

A pergola is not an Arbor or Trellis.

This is a pergola:
An arbor is a smaller structure usually placed over walkways and/or attached to a gate.

This is an Arbor:
This is a Trellis:

19 Days Until Spring??????

chris@pergolaprincess.com (The Pergola Princess) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 21:59:00 +0000

I have been getting excited with the anticipation that spring will soon be here and the start of the Outdoor Living season. Business signs all along the road ways are counting down the days until spring. Hmm I guess Mother Nature is in no mood to be rushed.