Sunday Brunch by Erin Ferucci, Designs 4 Living

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

I admit it! Ever since I saw Julie & Julia I've been in the mood to cook and entertain. Is there anything better than making great food and feeding it to friends and family? Of course I like to keep things simple and elegant, then you get a chance to be enjoy your guests. Total cost: Under $25!
I read Gwenyth Paltrow's blog last week (her site is called Goop) and got inspired to make chicken salad but with my own unique twist. It was simple, delicious and a crowd pleaser.

You simply broil some chicken breasts with garden herbs, olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. While that is cooking toast some walnuts in a nice heavy pan (it takes less than 2 minutes but adds a ton of flavor).

Next, chop some endive and break up some English Stilton. Then you need to chop a couple of green granny smith apples. I a large bowl add all of the ingredients with the cooled and chopped chicken and some veganaise or light mayonnaise mixed with some plain yogurt,pepper,lemon juice and Italian parsley. Serve with a fresh toast baguette on the side and you have a delightful brunch meal that can feed 6 easily.

For my brunch I also made a lemonade spritzer using 1/4c. real lemonade, 2/3 c. orange sparkling water and 1/3c. ice cold water. Garnish with mint leaves.

Yum.

Tablecloth: Quadrille fabrics for China Seas; Napkin: China Seas, Pitcher and Glasses: Pier One Imports

The Inspiration of Julia Child by Erin Ferucci, Designs 4 Living

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

In case you haven't heard, SONY pictures will be releasing a new movie about Julia Child called Julie & Julia, on August 7th, starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. Meryl Streep playing Julia Child, come on, that is delicious!

I'm excited about this movie for many reasons. I am a huge Julia Child fan. I wasn't always such a fan, but in the '90s I treated myself to cooking class with the great woman herself. It was in Santa Barbara at The Biltmore, one of those short intensive, immersion excursions. It was amazing, the food, the conversation and yes I will admit, a bit of wine. It was truly wonderful, and Ms. Child herself was, funny, eccentric and a little wild. I was inspired. It was a pivotal time for me. I was a successful young designer with no other plans, but I had a passion for good food. Working with Julia Child I realized I didn't want to just design interiors, I wanted to help people to design a lifestyle.

Clearly Julia Child has inspired many women. The movie follows one young woman's story (Amy Adams)as she finds her inspiration in Julia Child. From the trailers the movie looks, funny, poignant and inspirational. With Nora Ephron, a funny "foodie" woman, as both writer and director I think we're in for a treat. Julia Child was an amazing woman who broke down countless barriers in the world of fine food and she had a tremendous impact on my life and business. I can't wait to see the movie!