Author: Lora Knows...

I'm Lora, and the posts you will find here are inspired by the people I love and my daily life. I hope you enjoy browsing through my recipes, and reading about my life as a real estate agent, DIY wannabe, and wife of a retired Marine.
Cooking

Balsamic-Glazed Peach Caprese Salad

Lora Knows...

Ingredients:

8 semi-soft peaches with their pits removed
Kosher salt
¼ cup aged balsamic vinegar, plus more for drizzling
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
8 ounces bocconcini
1/2 cup fresh basil
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

On a large plate drizzle the balsamic vinegar. Season the peaches with kosher salt.

In a nonstick pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the peaches cut side down and sear for 3 minutes. To prevent the peaches from sticking jiggle the pan now and then. Lift a peach to make sure it is browning, don’t let them burn. Once they are browned, remove the pan from the heat and place the peaches cut side down in the balsamic vinegar on the plate.

Let the peaches soak up some of the yumminess for a minute . Return the peaches to the hot pan cut side down, and cook over medium-low heat for another minute. Then put back on the plate with the balsamic vinegar. Let them rest for 2 minutes.

Return to the hot pan again for the third time, cook for one more minutes. Put the peaches back on the plate, cut side down, and put in the fridge for 20 minutes.

Cut the chilled peaches into quarters and place them on a clean plate with the bocconcini. Season with a bit more kosher salt, then add some fresh pepper. Make it look appetizing and pretty by tucking the basil in between the peaches and cheese. Drizzle generously with extra-virgin olive oil and a bit more balsamic vinegar.

As most of you know I always like to change recipes. I’ve made these yummy peaches a few times and have drifted off the original recipe to this version. The original recipe is from “Listen to Your Vegetables” by Sarah Grueneberg and Kate Heddings. It’s a great book!

Entertainment, Holidays, Style

Painted Pumpkins

Lora Knows...

Painted pumpkins are the complete package! They have style, provide enjoyment for all ages, require no carving skills, and there are no slimy pumpkin innards involved.

Here’s what you will need:

  1. Pumpkins, real or artificial, whatever size, shape or color you prefer.
  2. Acrylic paint – choose colors you love.
  3. Sharpee markers.
  4. Painter’s tape.
  5. Assorted painting tools like brushes, sponges, and don’t forget fingers are great tools too.
  6. Something to put the paint on – paper plates work great.
  7. Don’t skip coveringt the table. You can use a plastic tablecloth, craft paper, newspaper or whatever.
  8. Hand wipes, paper towels, hand sanitizer.
  9. Have Fun!
Daily Happenings, Real Estate

Dealing With Leaves

Lora Knows...

The beautiful colors of autumn leaves on trees is one thing, its another when they all fall to the ground and overtake your lawn. Cleaning them up can be tedious, but there are helpful tips that will make the task more efficient.

Leaf Removal

It’s a great idea to give your townhall a call to see if they have any leaf removal services. You can also use a lawnmower to mulch leaves, and then spread the mulch around your lawn to feed your grass, or put it on your garden to enrich the soil.

Leaf Raking

Raking leaves takes patience. It is best to wait until almost all the leaves have fallen, this way you don’t have to do it multiple times through the season. I read an article that suggested bending at your knees when picking leaves up, and when raking stand straight instead of hunching over.