Deck-Worthy Cocktails Watermelon-Tequila Cocktails
Ingredients 1/4 c. water 1/4 c. granulated sugar 8 c. diced seedless watermelon (1 lb.) 1/4 c. fresh lime juice 1 3/4 c. blueberries 3/4 c. lightly packed fresh mint leaves 8 mint sprigs for garnish 1 1/4 c. silver tequila ice Directions In small saucepan, bring water and sugar to simmer. Stir over moderate heat until sugar is dissolved, about 1 minute. Let sugar syrup cool. In a blender, puree watermelon until smooth. Set a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and strain watermelon juice, pressing gently on the solids to extract maximum juice. Discard pulp. In a large pitcher,[...]
Passionate about Outdoor Living
Ever since I can remember, every holiday, birthday and family event were held outside on the deck and patio if the weather allowed. Beginning with landscaping as a summer job in high school, my career evolved through landscaping, sunrooms and cedar homes before I came to specialize in decks and outdoor living. Not everyone sees a deck and patio the same way. Builders and architects usually see these additions as a necessary extension of the house (if they give any thought to it at all). Typically in the past its main function was as a way to get out of[...]
Meet Our Hardy Hardwoods: Mahogany and Ipe
With decks such an important space in today’s homes, it makes sense for quality-conscious homeowners to seek out premium materials to enhance the appeal and durability of their outdoor living additions. Clients are rediscovering the unique qualities and value of certain tropical hardwoods like red balau mahogany and ipe (pronounced “ee-pay”). In addition to the rich, natural beauty, longevity and scratch resistance of these hardwoods, Colorado’s increasing frequency and severity of hail storms make ipe and mahogany great choices. There can be a lot of confusion about the names of these materials. Like cedar, pine and other types of wood,[...]
Plan Your Perfect Southwest Road Trip
Relative newcomers to Colorado may have experienced relatively mild and dry winters, however, to long-time residents, this last winter season has been more like we remember (in the past) with regular snow and consistently cool, if not cold, temperatures. Now’s the time to chase the winter chills out of your bones under the warmth of the beaming southwestern sun! The good news is that here in the metro area we’re within a day’s drive of some of the most beautiful and interesting places on earth, popular destinations such as Santa Fe and Taos, the Four Corners area with Mesa Verde[...]
Deck-Worthy Meals Cheddar BLT Burgers w/ Russian Tarragon Dressing
Ingredients 1/2 c. mayonnaise 1/3 c. ketchup 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar 1 tbsp. grated onion 1 tbsp. chopped parsley 1 tbsp. chopped tarragon 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 12 oz. thickly sliced bacon 1 1/3 lbs. ground beef chuck 1 1/3 lbs. ground beef sirloin 1 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted 3 oz. sharp cheddar, cut into 6 slices 6 hamburger buns lettuce, tomato and red onion slices Directions In medium bowl, whisk mayo with ketchup, vinegar, onion, parsley, tarragon and Worcestershire. Cover and refrigerate. In large skillet, cook bacon over moderately[...]
