fine & lovely

By the Numbers

2011-06-22T13:11:00.000-07:00

Had a major 'why didn't I think of that' moment when I came across these upc codes by design driven Vanity Barcodes. There is a beauty to simple lines, but there's also so much excitement in hidden design. Having had to deal with the 'necessary evil' that are upc codes as a brand manager in the past, I am truly loving the dual brand asset that pops up with these little lovelies.

Images via Vanity Barcodes

C'mon Now!

2011-06-17T15:13:00.000-07:00

Could this guy get any cooler? I just couldn't help but share the love at first sight moment I had when I saw him, and figured it might pull me out of my posting drought. Featured on Etsy's Handpicked Friday selection, this is Jack. The perfect mix of rustic, mod and just the right kind of the hottest pink around. Take a peek at the rest of Amye123's shop while you're at it, featuring all sorts of cuteness in the form of updated colorful vintage finds. Here's to a weekend full of happy + color, it is almost the summer solstice afterall, get out and enjoy it!

Image via Amy123, Etsy

Honoring the Mama

2011-05-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

A very Happy Mother's Day to all the mamas out there! Especially these two, my mother and grandmother, who teach me to celebrate every chance I get!

Musing

2010-10-08T06:51:00.000-07:00

Been pretty light on the blogging lately, with no great excuse or flourish - just plain old life getting in the way, leaving me not much time to report on all the little lovelies I come across on a daily basis. Have to change that.

The Mr. did manage to snap a few shots of a sweet little layer cake I whipped up earlier this summer for my grandmother's birthday. I was sure the Pink Lady Cake from favorite blog Smitten Kitchen was THE one when I was searching for the perfect celebration cake for this special day. Needless to say, we only got a few shots and none of the finished product. Have to get better about that too. In this case, we were way too busy sneaking every last bit of that ridiculously delicious cream cheese frosting. Oh. Yes.

And, speaking of Smitten Kitchen and my adoration for food blogs in general, it looks like a certain someone shares the same affinity. GOOP, the lifestyle newsletter from Gwenyth Paltrow released a who's who of food blogs, to which I wholeheartedly approve - and could go on and on adding to the list. SO much talent out there - with the movers and shakers attending this week's BlogHer Food conference in San Francisco.

I'm off to enjoy what's shaping up to be an absolutely heavenly weekend weather-wise. October picnic here we come - In my mind I'll look like this gorgeously crisp + romantic photo from photographer extrodinarie Roland Bello. Happy weekending!

Images via fine & lovely, Roland Bello

Right Now

2010-08-19T07:09:00.000-07:00

Adoring the absolutely lusciously gorgeous work of food photographer extraordinaire Matt Armendariz. It's just so good I get hungry and swoon-ie at the same time. A longtime veteran of graphic design and styling in the food industry, Matt's work has been in countless publications and a few years ago he began Matt Bites, a blog about 'a man obsessed with food, drink & everything in between'. Love it. Add to that, he'll have a cookbook out in Spring 2011. Hope it has waterproof pages for all the drooling that will be going on over it.

Images via Matt Armendariz

Grows on Trees

2010-08-10T09:52:00.001-07:00

While getting ready to pick peaches from our neighborhood peach tree this morning, I got to thinking about fruit trees. I dream about having avocado and lemon trees right outside the kitchen window (oh, I could use a kitchen window too, come to think of it). I would make Cafe Gitane inspired smashed avocado on toast and try my hand at homemade limoncello. For now I will dream big of lemons, mountains and sea air on the Amalfi Coast.

Images via Haas Gallery, TerraGalleria

What the Font

2010-08-02T07:49:00.000-07:00

With my educational and professional background of the past decade in paper and press, one might say that my first love is type. And if there is a thin line between love and hate, I would venture to say that I love, (and loathe) all types of fonts. In college, I would spend days upon days letterpress printing - setting type, pawing through job trays of lead type, learning about each curve and line of every specific serif and sans serif I could get my hands on. Nowadays, I am more likely to be pouring over a cookbook, which is surely Times New Roman or the like, than found in the studio. Every now and then I have to get my fix, and after watching Objectified last night, I woke up with the design bug and had to play with some type on My Fonts. Looks like I might need to spend a couple of days printing to get this bug out of my creative system!

Images via My Fonts (top to bottom) Apricot, Londonderry Air, Gatlinberg Gossamer NF

Sunshine in a Jar

2010-07-30T06:46:00.000-07:00

Working weekly farmers markets this summer, I've gotten to know some of the local farmers - and moreover, been able to sample most of this summer's gorgeous bounty at it's peak. Earlier this season, when strawberries were ripe for the pickin', I was gifted some 'bruised' early berries. Needless to say, I was giddy since I had already had jam on the brain. I followed a quick and great recipe using no pectin. The result was so pure and fresh I had to eat it right then and there. We whipped up some fresh ricotta, toasted some crusty bread and on top, enjoyed dollops and dollops of juicy strawberry jam. With a crisp glass of chilled sancerre, it was a beautiful dinner. Sometimes (actually, most of the time), it really is the simple things.

And while I'm jamming, be sure to check out this great post on learning to can from new blog on the block, {every}nothing wonderful (today she talks cheese!). Happy weekend!

Image via fineandlovely (excuse the poor iphone shot!)

Blog Love

2010-07-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

I'll be the first to admit my love for Sunday Suppers. Though I haven't attended one of the Brooklyn, NY events or classes (yet!), fortunately, I can live vicariously through their fabulous blog. I am always struck by the spot-on styling, delicious & inventive menus and gorgeous photos. I am in love with this lavender lemonade - it sums up exactly why Sunday Suppers is oh so special. Run don't walk to their blog for some bonafide swoon worthy eye candy.

Images via Sunday Suppers

Queen Bee(keeping)

2010-07-19T07:20:00.000-07:00

Loved this story I heard on NPR this morning about the surge of women beekeepers in the states. With the mysterious plight of disappearing bees these days, and the importance of bees to our food supply, it's such a welcome trend. Fingers crossed it's not a passing fancy.

There are numerous independent organizations popping up in communities all over to support and educate those who would like to learn beekeeping. If you are in and around the Chicago area, the Chicago Honey Co-Op is a great resource. I can't wait to check it out. Watch for a sweet post on that to come!

Images via National Public Radio, Chicago Honey Co-Op

Color Love

2010-07-16T08:07:00.000-07:00

Loving some pink and gray currently. Could be the hot and hazy weather we have been having, but the romantic gauzy patina of this subtle combination never seems to get old.

Happy weekend - hope you are able to get out and enjoy some of the sweet summer that seems to be finally here. The Mr. and I have a full dance card with a waterside concert, a double birthday (fun!) a few new bakeries to visit around town and a little work mixed in. See you next week!

Images via Our Labor of Love, Katie Elliot, Design Hole, Martha Stewart, Decor Pad, Cakegirls, (painting) Edmund Charles Tarbell

Sweet Smarts

2010-06-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

How clever and adorable are these hanging mobiles?! Coming to us from the lovey LA based stationery shop, Urbanic, these decorations are simply twine and cupcake liners. One of those, 'wish i had thought of that before' moments. Sweetness.

Image via Wiley Valentine

Stitching Pretty

2010-06-14T05:58:00.001-07:00

Whether it's a cocktail party or wedding, it's nice to have an alternative to towering floral displays - especially those that can be reused and redesigned with different themes. We were floored after flipping through the latest Martha Stewart Weddings issue to find something we had never seen before (yes, apparently that exists)...embroidery hoops used as table cards, chair numbers and hanging decor. This idea really couldn't be any sweeter and most importantly, versatile. While MSW went with a 'Bohemian Chic' look here, we could see this idea transformed to any aesthetic from romantic formal, chic outdoor, all the way to downtown modern. There are countless sizes of embroidery rings that can be found at any local craft or fabric store, boundless textile choices or take it one step further by designing your own fabric with Spoonflower, an online custom fabric printer (with no minimum order...love it!). See the project here.

Images via Martha Stewart Weddings

Fine Line

2010-06-09T07:57:00.001-07:00

Found the most amazing chocolate from Fine & Raw at last years Indie Wed event. Not only were we drawn to the name (naturally), but after one try of the cacao and coconut bon bon we were smitten. Based in Brooklyn, Fine & Raw's creators yearned of a chocolate that was loaded with health benefits while still being considered a gourmet product. Using conscious ingredients and innovative low heat techniques to keep the chocolate's raw vitality and flavor, they developed their line of agave and coconut sweetened raw confections. To say that Fine & Raw chocolates are addicting would be an understatement, they are intoxicating. So fine!

Images via Fine & Raw

Print Hungry

2010-06-08T07:55:00.000-07:00

Look familiar? Hopefully you were awake during Geography class, and can see the state of Michigan as a sunny side up egg...if not, let's just say you're hungry. The bestselling Michigan print is just one of all 52 states in the series, The United Plates, designed by John Holcomb of Short Handed Studio. Some of our favorites include South Dakota (shown below), Alabama, DC, Georgia, Iowa and Maryland - but who are we kidding, they are all inspired. See the whole collection at Short Handed Studio's website.

Images via Short Handed Studio

Swooning for Succulents

2010-06-07T09:51:00.001-07:00

Hardy and gorgeous, we have always adored succulents. Researching and thinking about doing a 'living wall' of these beauties. Loving the great, low maintenance ideas and step by step from Sunset. Also perfect for weddings...a fresh spin on table settings, bouquets and boutonnieres.

Photos via Sunset, Apartment Therapy, Once Wed

Cheese + Print = Love

2010-06-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Received this incredible (and incredibly useful) print from a friend who knows our extreme weakness for cheese. The designer, Lucy Knisley, is an illustrator raised by foodies, and native of NYC now living in Chicago. She recently published her first book, French Milk (how adorable?!), which tells the story about a girl living (and eating) in Paris with her mother. We love her sweet and varied work, see the current sampling here.

Image Shown: Lucy Knisley Cheese Print, Purchased at Renegade Craft Chicago

Get it Because it's HOT!

2010-06-02T14:45:00.000-07:00

Since it's summer - yes, it's here, not officially, but c'mon, it's June - we have been getting into more refreshing beverages with fruit, ice, herbs, and well, let's be honest here, liquor. Summer cocktail concoctions have arrived. With the exciting discovery of the elusive Blenheim Ginger Ale, we have been making some lovely discoveries like the Moscow Mule and Sweet Lucy, which both incorporate ginger ale (or ginger beer) and our favorite summer addition of fresh lime.

Great spirits are important (we love Hendricks for gin, Buffalo Trace for bourbon, and Vikingfjord for vodka), but the key, really, is the ginger ale. There are some good artisan ginger ales and beers out there; Cock & Bull, Reed's, Maine Root and I'm sure many, many other regional favorites that I wish I knew. However, the best we've found that literally 'knocks our socks off' is Blenheim. It's spicy, peppery, truly gingery taste is unparalleled. The one drawback is that it's incredibly hard to find, so when you do come across this lovely libation, be sure to snap as much as you can up. Check out the official site for all the lore, and be sure to check out their blog for new recipes and great stories.

Images via Martha Stewart, Green Olive Media

Perennial Pie

2010-05-28T08:31:00.000-07:00

It's memorial day weekend. We have blue skies for days, cool breezes and (fingers crossed) a quiet(er) city than normal. Feeling clever and sneaky, we were able to get away last weekend for a pre-holiday camping trip, so we have a relatively low key weekend at home planned. Upon our return and mail sorting, I spotted this absolutely stunning tart in the issue of Sunset magazine we'd just received- a timely Rhubarb Cardamom Galette. Just gorgeous. Can't wait to leisurely hit the market tomorrow, pick up some fresh rhubarb and be on the porch with a piece by the afternoon. Happy long weekend!

Image via Sunset Magazine

Rainy Day

2010-05-11T07:22:00.001-07:00

This rainy, cold early spring day is making me want to cozy up in a cafe with it's doors open, feeling the fresh air, reading and drinking steaming cups of coffee. Some of loveliest days are the rainiest of days.

Image (top) Tartine - San Francisco, (middle) Gafe Gitane - NYC

Sweet Paul

2010-05-10T07:36:00.000-07:00

Loving the new (and first!) issue of Sweet Paul Magazine. Filled with great everyday recipes, crafts, table setting ideas and general eye candy - Sweet Paul is the extension of the wildly popular blog of the same name. How adorable would this cheese box be for an impromptu late spring picnic!

Also - if you like this issue of Sweet Paul, be sure to check out the equally gorgeous and ingenious Nonpareil Magazine (more on that later!).

Image via Sweet Paul Magazine

Lighten Up

2010-03-15T19:58:00.001-07:00

As it's the middle of March, and officially Spring, I'll be the first to admit, we're a little late to the party on this one. Winter citrus is really one of the major culinary bright spots of the early part of the year, adding much needed zing to the winter palette. Panna cottas, tarts, sorbets, marmalades and even citrus salads are the cure all for any late winter doldrums. Read all about the array of winter citrus choices here....from honeybells to clementines to satsumas, the range of options is truly surprising.

Blushing

2010-02-21T09:07:00.000-08:00

Never has the phrase 'flattery will get you everywhere' rang so true. Came across this witty shot via the blue hour blog, strolling past a neighborhood coffee shop. One cappucino please, and I'll take that scone too, come to think of it.

Keep Your Fork...There's Pie!

2010-02-19T19:46:00.000-08:00

The weekend has many lovely things in store...ice skating, reading, yoga and...pie! We have long been meaning to visit Hoosier Mama Pie Company in Chicago's West Town and have planned a visit this weekend with some friends. Will be hard to sleep tonight dreaming of strawberry rhubarb, coconut cream and downward dog! Oh what a sweet life!

Diving Into...

2010-01-20T14:39:00.000-08:00

My new book just arrived - can't wait to devour what I hear is a truly delectable treat of a read! Such great new (food and otherwise..) literature out now. I must catch up! For more information, see the author, Kathleen Flinn's site here.

Lemon Coconut

2010-01-15T12:29:00.000-08:00

I must admit, I got on the cupcake bandwagon early on. Weddings, bakeries, books & articles all centered around the lovely cupcake. What's not to love? Of late, however, my tastes have turned to not actually eating the cupcake, but admiring from afar - for no good reason other than that I must have been on cupcake overload. Oh what a fool I have been...

Coming across the literally magical combination of lemon and coconut is a revelation. But in a cupcake, it's really perfection. Here are a couple of recipies; one with lemon curd in the center, and a good old fashioned lemon cake with coconut creme. Happy Friday!

Photos via measured memory

If Johnny Cash drank hot chocolate.

2010-01-08T09:37:00.001-08:00

Must be all the snow, but I have been really feeling the need to cuddle up with hot cocoa lately. Preferably with marshmallows and Cinnamon. Upon further research into recipes for spicy hot chocolate, giving homemade gifts of Oaxacan hot cocoa mix, and visiting Rick Bayless' Xoco for drinking chocolates - there is so much more to this 'cuddle beverage'.

Canelle et Vanille Churros with Spiced Chocolate Bisque (recipe here)

Lucid Food Spiced Chai Hot Chocolate (recipe here)

Vosges Haut Chocolate Aztec Elixir Drinking Chocolate

A girl can dream can't she - that a plate of hot churros and spiced chocolate bisque would be brought to her by a roaring fire after a long day of ice skating, sledding, skiing...all in a long winter day's work.

New decade!

2010-01-08T08:53:00.000-08:00

We have successfully recovered from what was a lovely New Year's Eve - ending what was not our favorite year to date. The Scandinavian feast went well, although our resident seven year old "kid" Buddy the border collie mix had a memorable beginning to the new decade with a full belly of Gravlax. We decided that the Omega-3's were good for him and left it at that. Lucky dog.

We did manage to push through and enjoy ourselves with a fantastic Rose Cremant, Quilette oysters and blackberries. Very civilized with some CNN times square coverage, a full blue moon, sparklers, and Van Morrison.

The first weekend of the year was spent with a major organization & cleaning session of our terribly over sized closed (it has it's pros and cons). It had become somewhat of a mess to say the least, and it was time to clean it up - and we did....for the whole weekend, with a few televised sports games intermixed, joy. Since 2009 was not our 'fave' year as I mentioned, we decided that a jambalaya with smoked chicken sausage, stewed tomatoes, gala apple, onion, amber ale, and of course the good luck of black eyed peas said to bring prosperity in the new year and was perfect for the chilly weekend.

So all in all, a great start to the new year, the new decade. We all need any luck we can get these days, but it's enough to just be - which is a lot easier with a clean closet!

posted by vanessa

Scandinavian New Year

2009-12-30T12:44:00.000-08:00

In the past couple of years, it's become a tradition of ours to spend New Year's Eve cuddled at home leisurely sipping some bubbles and making a special dish we wouldn't normally think to make. In choosing a recipe, we also have come to embrace the theme and/or tradition of the culture in which the dish comes. Last year we went Greek with Moussaka paired with Retsina wine, made from pine tree resin (it was a valiant effort, but we quickly switched to some nice bubbly Cremant). However, the full on bechamel, lamb, roasted eggplant moussaka I can still taste it a year later, and in truth, although time consuming and labor intensive, it was really fun to make.

This year, without knowing it, we tossed around both our English and Danish backgrounds for recipe ideas. While enjoying a traditional Harvey's Bristol Cream with my father on Christmas, we decided on a traditional Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding English feast would be the choice. - not to mention our fondness for Jamie Oliver. As the day has drawn near - we have been hemming and hawing, not getting too excited about the whole thing. Then it really came to us - a Scandinavian feast! Perfect for the full moon that falls on this New Year's Eve. Light, fresh and clean. Truly a great way to start off the new decade. While the actual dishes have not been determined, we have turned to one of our fave PBS cooking shows, Scand Cooks for some inspiration. Stay tuned and Godt Nytår!

Images via The Scandinavian Cookbook

Mid-Summer's Dream

2009-08-05T06:38:00.000-07:00

With the cool summer we've had, I suppose we could be forgiven for our low expectations regarding the garden. Plants seemed as though they'd never grow taller than our knees, vines would creep along centimeter by centimeter. I would say inch by inch, but it was not that fast. We coaxed them along, even when our new neighbor seemed bent on destroying our garden by tuckpointing his entire building. We replaced soil, adjusted pH levels, added manure (which made us extremely popular with the rest of the tenants). It did not seem promising. At the beginning of July, however, the first blossoms started to appear, and it seemed as though we might get a little reward for our efforts.

It was shocking though to see peppers go from blossom to this:

in only a couple of weeks. Needless to say, we are excited that there is fruit sitting on all of our plants, from the first tomato at marble size:

to clusters waiting for the ripening sun, and a nice caprese salad.

Maybe the cool weather made our plants hardier, maybe it just made us appreciate what actually has come to fruition. Regardless, we now know patience is a virtue when dealing with our garden. I will not underestimate the power of sun, soil and seed again. And if you're lucky enough, we will be sharing seeds with all of you this winter. Save a sunny spot in the yard.

Summer Coolers

2009-07-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

We have talked amongst ourselves about how the internet is full of drink blogs, and while we enjoy our drinks, our site isn't dedicated to them. Thank goodness, as there is only so much our livers could handle. Plus, I get very ornery after a couple, so we try to limit our experimentation.

Two that we have been very fond of this summer are very different in their origins. First, the Pimm's Cup, which has seen a splendid resurgence thanks to people rediscovering the pleasure of liqueurs and light mixers. It might be the easiest to make, but with as much complexity to the flavor profile as you want. Our recipe is as follows:

highball glass
ice
2 1/2 oz Pimm's No.1
juice of 1/2 lemon
Seven-Up
cucumber spear

The nice thing about this recipe is the flexibility. I like a touch more Pimms, Ness prefers a little more lemon. Easy to accommodate. Thanks to my Mom for insisting I try this when I was 21. It has been her summer standard for years, though just how many years is Top Secret.

Our second favorite was born out of necessity. Ness needed something refreshing and didn't want another gin & tonic. Not that she has those to excess, nor are they a tired drink; she merely wanted something she hadn't had before. Looking in the fridge, we had recently purchased Trader Joe's Pomegranate Limeade. Possibly the easiest and freshest mixer we have ever found. Mint from the yard, soda, Hendrick's gin: the birth of Ness' Mint Lemonade Mixer.

rocks glass
ice
fresh mint
2 oz gin
3 oz TJ's Pomegranate Limeade top
w/ soda
lime wedge

Again, flexibility with the mixer, but this drink isn't rocket science; it's just really tasty. We have also talked about how it is probably a sin of the worst magnitude to be using Hendrick's in a drink like this. Well, our justification is that is seems to be the only gin we have around! Now to see if the garden will provide us with more cucumbers and mint so we don't run out of essential supplies.

Bud break in Chicago

2009-06-24T12:29:00.000-07:00

It isn't as though we had hoped to make wine from our lone vine in the yard, especially since it happens to be some odd midwestern varietal; but, come ON! We had to wait till mid June for the buds to break out? Now with a half dozen leaves unfurling, it is somewhat exciting to see that the weeks of sub-zero weather didn't shatter the roots or vascular system. With time, I feel like this could turn into more than a hobby.

Blind Lovely

2009-05-27T21:31:00.000-07:00

I have a terrible soft spot for rhone whites. Viognier, Roussane, Marsanne; from intense candy store perfume to sublime flinty subtlety, it is always a surprise when you open a bottle. Last month when Sam Tannahill was in town, we were discussing our love of these wines while we should have been talking about the lovely pinot noir he was pouring. Still, it is fun to talk about a shared passion when everyone else in the room is getting shnockered.

Since Sam had been on the road for quite a few days and was feeling pretty shredded, I brought along a pound of Metropolis coffee to send home with him. It is our favorite local roaster, even though Intelligentsia has had more success in their nationwide growth. Sam reported that he and Cheryl, his lovely, talented wife, enjoyed the coffee over Mother's day weekend. That made us happy.

What made me even happier is when a package arrived from Sam this week. Enclosed were two bottles from their Francis Tannahill label; a 2005 Grenache, and a 2006 Blind Love. These were tiny bottllings; 138 and 93 cases produced respectively. While A to Z and Rex Hill might pay the bills, these bottles seem to represent what they can really do when unleashed in the winery. Elegant and balanced wines both.

We had the Blind Love with a nice light dinner of grilled asparagus, fresh homemade ricotta, baby greens and poached eggs. I also tried doing a pizza on the grill, but failed miserably; I will have woodfired pizza at home by the end of summer or die trying. The wine, on the other hand, was tremendously successful. When we first opened this there was a full nose of perfectly ripe fruit, and a nice spring floral bouquet. We expected it to be almost too big on the palate. On the contrary; what a lovely, creamy mouthfeel with a gentle but present acidity to give it a clean light finish. Light enough that I kept wanting more. It was a wine that was perhaps too elusive; but we loved every drop.

The second wine was the 2005 Grenache from the Rogue Valley. We had this the following Wednesday while I listened to the fifth game of the Blackhawks/Redwings series. (a tragic finish, even as I write this. 2-1 Detroit.) Ness was home late from work and we wanted something simple for dinner, so we settled on one of our standby favorites. We call it Beans & Greens, but it is a recipe that we lifted from one of our favorite blogs, who in turn lifted it from Splendid Table. A fantastic filling salad with beans, baby greens, bread crumbs and toasted cheese. The wine was superb from the first taste; my first impression being that of a clean, young Chateauneuf. The color was rich and opaque, but by no means inky. It just had the look of a wine that had been given ample opportunity to develop naturally, and had nothing taken away from it in the racking ad aging process. The nose was nowhere near overpowering, instead delivering exactly what it promised; balance, backbone, and finish. As the night went on, we talked about how it progressed, ending with "plum jam on toast with white pepper." At that point, we decided to end the pretentious wine talk and cut ourselves off.
Sam, thank you for two delicious, elegant bottles. We had a great weekend and look forward to a summer of nice bottles, and good thoughts for good friends.

Is it Summer Already?

2009-05-24T09:03:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought spring was in bloom - summer rushed in with all it's grilling, picnics and patriotic glory. Happy Memorial Day, Summer is here!

Favorite Thing

2009-05-08T18:23:00.001-07:00

Every spring I seem to forget that lilacs are possibly my favorite flower. The smell of a lilac tree after a light rain is truly intoxicating - and I don't throw around that word - nor do I use it regularly, so it must be pretty amazing.

I only request one thing of our next house or apartment - a lilac tree outside my bedroom. Lots of very happy dreams.

Surprise Cheddar

2009-05-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

We knew we were in for a treat when we finally cracked the lid on our tin of Natural Cougar Gold from Washington State University. Not to say we weren't skeptical; a lot of university agricultural products we've had in the past have been safe, sterile, and frankly a little bit bland. Not this time.This cheddar is reminiscent of a market style, without the bandage wrapping. A pleasant grassiness combined with a buttery, creamy mouthfeel. It crumbles nicely into small bites and was delicious on its own or with a crunch in a delicious grilled cheese. We must find some good apples, though they are in short supply right now. Please visit www.wsu.edu/creamery to learn more. I will be lobbying family to send another tin, asap.

Omaha

2009-05-04T12:56:00.000-07:00

Loved our trip to Omaha - complete with great food, visits with long lost family, and a drive through a tornado. Truly, the Midwest at it's best. Just a few to get started - we will post more to come.

Weekend Project

2009-05-04T08:38:00.000-07:00

While waiting for the reputed 80 degree weather that was supposed to arrive by the end of the week, we spent some time building our Salad Bar. This is a perfectly utilitarian design, but looks so bountiful when filled with salad greens, herbs, and other shallow rooted edible plants. We hemmed and hawed about building it, but when the weather started turning and we realized the tulips were going to be holding down valuable real estate for a few more weeks, the need for another container became clear. It is a simple plan, but always measure twice, cut once. Since our 2x4's were pretty clean and straight it took less than ten minutes to have all of our pieces cut and laid out. We put a light coat of sealant on the wood, as per recommendation, to prevent mildewing or rotting wood. Our sealant, once cured, is not supposed to leach into the soil. Very important. We used two wood screws in the corners, and only one on the cross beams. In a moment of Danish over-engineering, we applied quite a few staples to the screen in the corners, even though the wire mesh will help to hold the screen in place. With mesh and roofing nails in place, it was time to get some soil in place and hope for the best weather possible.

Another easy planter we have been using comes from my job in the fine wine industry. Many producers still utilize wooden cases, and these are sturdy, attractive, and are nice for their ability to eventually break down and decompose. Drilling 1/2 inch drainage holes in the bottom of the boxes prevent soggy roots and can even allow deeper root growth when placed on bare soil. While we are not even close to what one would call professional gardeners, we have always had good success with these boxes, yielding plenty of potatoes, carrots and whatever else we felt the need to grow. Plus it is fun to see potato shoots popping up where four hundred dollar bottles of wine once were.

I started our greens, tomatoes, peppers and carrots in a few small greenhouse trays in our apartment. The greens are cold weather friendly and grow much faster than the toms and peppers. It is always fun to grow your own food and to start to see nearly immediate reward.It is also funny how folks perk up when you mention even the mere potential of having fresh tomatoes and peppers. This morning I ran into Mary, out mail carrier, and she was already staking out a claim on any excess tomatoes. Even if only half of our plants start to produce, there will be plenty to go around! Come on sun!

Road Trip

2009-04-23T05:49:00.000-07:00

On the road - visiting family and hoping to check out some, if not all, of the Design*Sponge Omaha Design Guide!

Gulity Pleasure

2009-04-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

Sure, ordering coffee from Seattle isn't the best way to celebrate Earth Day, but what a fine guilty pleasure it is. Caffe Vita has been one of my favorites from way back when I wouldn't have to pay for shipping and could pick some up while in Seattle visiting friends over a weekend. Sigh; what coffee love will do to us.
We ordered the old standby "Queen City Blend", never disappoints with the full mouthfeel and lush nutty chocolate finish. If only we could go to Uptown Bakery and grab a couple of scones now.

All things lemon are lovely

2009-04-19T11:55:00.000-07:00

A serious shout out to our favorite food blog of late. Smitten Kitchen. All would be smart to bookmark this site now. Run don't walk!

Images: Smitten Kitchen

April in Paris?

2009-04-18T21:31:00.001-07:00

For the past few weeks, we have been loving french macaroons, really. A trip to Laduree in Paris this April is a mere fantasy for now - but we can daydream....and frequent the most amazingly fantastic patisserie, Bittersweet, right here in Chicago. It's only a short bicycle ride away and since we have been enjoying all 6 flavors (pistachio, lemon, raspberry, almond, chocolate, vanilla) per visit, it's a good thing we are on 2 wheels.

Images; Laduree Paris, Copenhagen Chic.