On a Creative Roll

In all, 17 people got their gift on in the yellow house for the annual kitchen gifts class last month. Since the second class was rather large, I modified my typical format and set up stations, tastings, examples and mini demonstrations.

One of the best parts of kitchen gifts is the creative wrapping process. I do my best to buy only brown paper and doll it up. A blank canvas to be made hip, sparkly,  rustic or traditional. To that end, I also try to corner the market with every possible cool bit to make conservatively wrapped gifts especially fun. When possible, I like everything to be reusable.

The problem in these classes has historically been how to display the goods without looking like JoAnne and Michael barfed on the table. The answer? Brown paper.

Isn't she clever?

A cohesive display and much inspiration.

Disclaimer:

This post was written well before Christmas and abandon as many of my forthcoming posts were.

I must apologize for unearthing Christmas. It's past, it's done, it's packed away. But since I didn't get this posted in a timely fashion and really wanted to share this idea, here it is. To save myself, I wondered about other applications of this little display and come up with some others....

Gather your goodies and host a winter craft party. Use it to show step-by-step directions for the scout meeting or birthday party craft. Roll out a brown paper table runner at your Superbowl party. Draw out your plays, root for your team, label the snacks, never hear "what is this?" every again.

That alone, is worth it.

Homecoming 2011

The end of September was Homecoming. Jake took a girl he's known since kindergarten. I told him a year or two ago someday he'd take her to a dance. He told me that was gross - like dating your sister. Amazing what a mother knows.

To save the kids from a meal at Olive Garden (or maybe saving Olive Garden from the kids) we offered to host a dinner for everyone. I was thrilled they were thrilled and set about planning a buffet of heavy hors d'oeuvres. (old caterers die hard)


I wanted the table to look lovely and be a bit more formal than a usual gathering of friends. I didn't want it to be intimidating either. No girl wants to worry over things like this while hoping not to fall off her heels.

For the menu, my hope was to settle on the fine line of teen-friendly but new. Food not foreign, and recognizable but not typical. Grilled chicken skewers not nuggets. We made three dipping sauces to appeal to all palates. There was a crudite platter. The teeny-tiny potatoes were roasted with Rosemary-Orange Salt.

Since I adore cheese and feel a beautiful board should be part of any entertainment plans, I went out on a limb. Suffice it to say it looked just like the photo even after the mass of teens hit it.

There was dining and mingling and conversation.

 

They all had a great time and I loved having "my" boys around and getting to feed them all.

The only thing I can't figure out is how in the hell they can be in high school.

The Inaugeral Fire

Last fall we broke ground on our outdoor kitchen when a big, beautiful stamped patio was poured outside our kitchen door. Doug designed and has worked diligently to build a beautiful L-shaped kitchen. He always shoots for the moon. His design includes a custom-built smoker, gas grill, plumbed sink, wood-fired pizza oven, wood storage, prep space and a fireplace.

Of course, life gets in the way and every home owner knows how it goes with home improvement projects. Progress was slower than we had hoped but the shell is set, mortared and ready for fire bricks.

A few weekends ago, after a bit MacGyver-like techniques the boys were able to build roaring fire in our almost, sort of finished fireplace. We roasted marshmallow and made s'mores with peanut butter cups.

We spent time as a family sans Jake - he's in high school now. We texted him photos to harass him. Hee-Hee.

We put our feet up on the hearth and enjoyed thoughts of what's to come.

We can't wait.

PS-Last year's weiner roast story highlighted my beer. This year it's my running shoes.

Happy All Saints Day!

The  night before Halloween, giddy with anticipation, Henry asked me where "Halloween comes from." Taking a deep breath to allow me moments to think (all parents have been there before) I was proud, when in the depths of my cob web infused brain, I was able find some Halloween information.

I told the story of All Hallow's Eve and led into All Saint's Day. Gaining confidence, I added the meaning of Trick or Treat. Of course, it was all done in 2nd grade speak - making it far easier for mom to spin a yarn and sound really smart.

This was the first year in 15, I haven't made a costume. Doug and Henry did some shopping to create a Luke Skywalker in black. There is a name for this and I've been told no less than 20 times but it again escapes me. Jedi? Max fashioned a light saber holder and pocket for important space stuff out of duct tape which hung on an old, black belt cut down to Henry-size.

Ella chose to be a hippy. Especially nice since most of her costume will be worn again. Bonus: the hairstyle works with her distaste for styling products, combs, brushes, etc. No need for a mother/daughter Halloween cat fight.

Jake was a 15 year old consuming mass quantities of food. (his friends dressed as the same) Max had multiple costumes, one was a greaser with his new black leather jacket. Because Dad was sick and Mom is lame, Max, dressed in army garb, volunteered to cruise the neighborhood with Luke. Here they are with Jack O' Lantern faces.

Doug, inspired by a slide show on Facebook recreated this amazing lantern. He is truly an artist. After the original tiny pumpkin fell to the floor (a la Humpty Dumpty) he replaced it with a spaghetti squash.

My greatest contribution (besides shopping at Claire's Boutique and making sloppy joes) was June's ensemble. Since I call her "Bug" it seemed fitting to recycle Ella's ladybug wings from her 2nd Halloween. A black tulle skirt completed the look. She clearly wanted to be where the action was. After 15 minutes she forgot she was wearing the bug costume and spent the evening greeting Trick-or-Treaters. I have no shame for my dog-costume antics. It makes me laugh.

The weather was lovely, friends stopped by and there are Reese's Peanut Butter Cups leftover.

I hope your Halloween was wonderful, your costumes creative and that you are able to scam some good stuff out your kids' treat bags when they are at school.

Even saints need candy.

Culitvate Chicago

A month ago, Chipotle hosted its first Cultivate Festival in Chicago's Lincoln Park. We Downings piled in the truck and headed for the big city to catch this awesome event.

It's important to us we give our kids as many great experiences as we are able. This event was perfect since it was based upon the importance of sustainability and allowed us to put it into practice by eating tacos. Also, it was cheap.

They had terrific activities for kids including stenciling an organic cotton t-shirt with chili peppers and pigs.

Beverages were free including all the faves - Organic Valley Milk boxes, Vitamin Water and Honest Tea. For those so inclined there were many local beers and wine to choose from. My date bought me cool beers.

This interactive piece of educational art was designed by the artist in the picture.  So fun to look with all the great illustrations and farming facts, too.

In the specialty food tent were local veggies, sauces, coffee and hand husked coconuts. Though certainly not local, the coconuts where a cool experience for the kids. They had to have one. Okay, I thought it was cooler than anyone and I think I drank most of it, too. (Have you had Zico?)

There were viewings of Fresh and a textile tent. Did you know they are working on all Chipotle uniforms being made of organic cotton? All day long, bands played and local chefs working with local farmers did cooking demonstrations.

We all had a terrific day...together.

Did I mention the tacos?

A Boo Blog

In need of a last minute Halloween treat to keep little hands busy this weekend? Henry's scout group recently came over for a meeting and spooky fun. In need of easy crafts and projects, I was inspired by an overwhelming collection of white chocolate. A quick trip to Michael's for sucker sticks and I was ready for 7 little boys to wreak havoc.

Melt the white chocolate in the microwave with a one tablespoon of vegetable oil per 12 ounces of chocolate. The oil allows for smoother melting and give the finished project softer bite.

A blob of white chocolate was placed on each boys sheet of parchment paper and they set about creating their ghost with the back of a small spoon. Of course, an off-set spatula makes this a bit easier but everyone has lots of spoons, right?

Once the shape is just right, a stick is spun in the chocolate to affix it and a nice, big brother goes back and adds a bit more to glue it in place.

Two chocolate chip eyes (or several) and a (or many) red hots for gaping mouth (or more eyes) and it's very spooky. Allow it to cool at room temperature or to speed the process, put it in the fridge or freezer.

BOO! It's a chocolate ghost sucker!

Have a happy and safe Halloween with your little goblins.

The Hippest of Yellow House Parties

We in the yellow house were super excited to announce Kate Payne, author of, The Hip Girls' Guide to Homemaking would be visiting. On October 8th the big day finally arrived. We hosted the consummately cool Kate and her wonderful friend Wana for a house party and book signing.

Very book signing-ish looking, right? When it came time for signing, Kate didn't sit behind the table, she sat with each of our guests and made friends - then she signed their books. Told you she was cool.

We were blessed with an absolutely gorgeous week in Chicago so her fermented green tomato pickle demonstration took place in the yard near the garden.

Many hip homemakers came out for this event including...

...Wana's lovely dog, Lucy and...

....the ladies of the yellow hen house.

Afterward, treats made from my home-canned stash, mini fritattas, truffle popcorn and a fave sangria were served. There was mingling, conversation and lots of laughter. It never ceases to amaze me how people come together as strangers and depart as friends. How exciting to find those with similar beliefs, desires and passions though times and places are vastly different. That was the best part. It was a really special evening enjoyed by no one as much as I.

Did I take enough pictures to document this day? No, of course not.
Was I inspired? Tremendously!
Will I always remember the warm fuzzy feeling of connection? Forever.
Am I counting the days 'til Kate's next book is released and Chicago makes the book tour? Absolutely!

I am hip as Kate?

Okay. I'll stop there.

Thanks so much for coming Kate!

XOXO,

ALL of us in The Yellow House

Butternut Squash Soup for Baby

In September I hosted a terrific group of women to shower our friend and mommy-to-be with good wishes. Since we've come together over food it was important this simple luncheon be tasty and look lovely.

Many years ago, I purchased a dozen 1950's vintage snack trays for $12. Yep, $12 - that's $1 each including the mug. Deal of the century.  I decided to serve squash soup - the (then) mommy-to-be loves squash. A little bunch of dark purple grapes set perfectly in the space previously provided for ashing your cigarette (that never ceases to crack me up-a lady needs to look classy while ashing her cigarette next to her food) Along side were crusty baguette slices to accompany a bite of blue, Gruyere and brie atop a leaf of garden sage. The big empty space? That's where the red apple slices went - I am so annoyed I missed them in the photo. Visualize.

The soup was an amalgamation of several sources. I couldn't have been more pleased with the results and I think you will be, too.

Caramelized Butternut Squash Soup

Smooth and flavorful without being overly sweet as squash soups can sometimes be.

¼ cup unsalted butter

1 large onion, finely chopped

4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped

5 cups best-quality chicken or veal stock

4 cups roasted butternut squash, pureed (other smooth flesh squash may be substituted)

1 generous teaspoon fresh thyme

1 generous teaspoon fresh sage leaves, roughly chopped

1/4 cup whipping cream

2 teaspoons sugar

Melt butter in large pot over medium heat. Add onion sauté until they begin to slightly caramelize, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, cook while stirring constantly until fragrant. Add broth, all squash and herbs; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer, allowing flavors to meld about 20 minutes. 

Working in batches, puree soup until very smooth in a blender. Return soup to the pot. Stir in cream and sugar; bring to simmer. Season with salt and pepper.

This soup may be served with a sprinkling of fresh herbs, a swirl of cream or a toasty gruyere crouton. 

The texture and consistency is perfect served from a petite mug as an appetizer or passed hors d’oeurvre.

This soup may be made a day ahead. Chill. Gently warm over medium heat before serving.

Serves: 4 to 6

Syrup Saves The Day!

I like to serve a special cocktail to special people at special events.

In September, I needed a cocktail/mocktail to celebrate the impending arrival of an itty-bitty someone. (itty- bitties are super special) I had requirements: sparkles, seasonality and herbaceous but where to go?

I decide my flavors would include apple, fresh ginger and some of my Little-Shop-of-Horrors-esque  rosemary.  So, what's a girl to do with said ingredients? Duh. Make syrup. Isn't that what I always do?

Heat, steep, strain, chill.

Add 2-3 tablespoons per serving, top sparkling wine or water. What the hell - maybe a good splash of Cognac if you aren't delivering.

Welcome Fall.

Welcome Lilly Sophia!


Apple-Rosemary Syrup
2 cups apple juice
1 cup sugar
5 or 6 nice sprigs of fresh rosemary

Over medium to medium-high bring the apple juice, sugar and rosemary sprigs just to boiling.

Remove from heat, cover and allow to steep 15-20 minutes.

Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a jar and chill.

Delicious for a cocktail but also try it as a finishing glaze on a still-warm pound cake or drizzled on baked apples.

A FoodiStar Is Born!

A few weeks ago, Doug, Ella and I went to hit the third stop of the Fooditour. What's a Fooditour? The effort of Fooditude to track down a new face or two to star in their new webisodes. These shorts are made to encourage children to try new foods and learn about where they come from. The website is full of activities and ideas, too.

Of course, I encouraged her and told her it was no big deal and that it would be fun. Gulp. I was glad it was her and not me. She did a fabulous job and had fun as evidenced by her big genuine smile. We were so proud of her for putting herself out there. For me it was a life lesson, I felt was important to push. Sometimes watching from a distance is nice. Sometimes it's just not where you want to be but overbearing fear, usurps the wanna-have-fun-girl. Her confidence and courage put me to shame.

A couple weeks ago her leg of the tour was posted to the website. Check out my girl here.


We'll find out the end of October whether or not she was selected and really, I doesn't it matter. We were all so proud of her for giving it a go - anything else would be gravy.

A Super Fun Food Truck Social

Part of the deal with having 4 kids is family outings most often revolve around something free or nearly so. There are exceptions, and just over a week ago, we had occasion to enjoy a wonderful one - A Food Truck Social sponsored by Time Out Chicago. Though we spent money (I am glad I don't know exactly how much), we walked away with wonderful memories and the added bonus of giving back.

The entry fee was given to Share Our Strength for the No Kid Hungry Campaign campaign. No kid should ever be hungry.

This pretty truck Hummingbird Kitchen sold lovely things including the Italian French Fries Jake ordered. Since then, I've been craving a Nicoise sandwich.

Sweet Ride sold my dear sweet-loving daughter whoopie pies. Ella loves whoopie pies. I might have helped her - just a little bit.

The line for tamales from Tamale Spaceship. A reason why Doug wants to quit his job, buy a food truck and sell tamales.

My personal fave - the most delicious curried chicken pot pie pasty in the world Bridgeport Pasty

Lillie's Q makin' the sammies.

A $5 pulled pork slider. Truthfully, I think Doug's BBQ is better. Another reason Doug wants to quit his job, buy a food truck and sell BBQ sliders.

Street food should be eaten on the street.

And at a street fair, children should dance.

It was great to experience so many food trucks all in one place.

And it was a day we'll never forget.

Thanks for snapping the pic TOC!

A delicious day worth every penny.

A Nourish Food Swap

Inspired by Hip Girl Kate Payne, I decided to host a food swap. Wanting to do something special for the wonderful people who attend my cooking classes it seemed like the perfect way to say thank you.

With a background in catering and event planning, I love to plan parties. I especially love staging and adding nice touches to make things extra special. Jake and Max kindly carried the half Hoosier cabinet from the basement for an extra swap and food table. Cute vignette by the garden, too.
 

 

My Grandmother's Maytag washing machine is perfect for icing down drinks. The ALL detergent bucket is a perfect kitchy accent when planted with flowers.

 

Also finding a home in the washing machine, sodas made with fruit and herbal syrups. I there is flavored simple syrups and soda water in the fridge you'll always have a spur of the moment signature drink. Add a splash of vodka or gin and it's a cocktail. The rosemary-lemon is my favorite.

 

It's not a summer party without sangria. This one was made with my favorite summer wine - a French rose - lemons, and frozen local strawberries and raspberries. It was served into jelly jars from a giant vintage pickle jar.

I was so pleased there were so many interested in this event. The backyard was pleasantly full and there was lots of mingling.

 

Handsome servers passed hors d'oeuvres....and cocktail napkins.

  

Grilled Pork and Red Pepper Skewers with Mango Dipping Sauce were a favorite.

The most important part of the night? The swapping! My great grandmother's kitchen table (also carried up the stairs) was covered with an estate sale score and then piled with many offerings of enthusiastic swappers.

The selection was huge - just pulled beets, cookies, cakes, jams, salsas, eggs.....

... Limoncello, pro-biotic natural sodas and a huge basket of  homegrown herbs.

I wanted to give a special party favor to my guests. "The little lady on my website", a photo from yet another estate sale, was a perfect messenger. A quick trip to Ritz and I was able to personalize the front (only 7 cents on Tuesday and Wednesday!) A sticker offering a $5 savings was stuck to the back.

 

The evening drew to a close and I finally had a chance to sit with a few guests. A good time was had by all and this is just the first of many more to come.

It's a super fun and different way to entertain - especially the foodies in your life. If you'd like to host your own, follow the link to Kate's food swap page for a more detailed explanation.


I can't wait to throw another one and in the meantime, I'd gladly come to yours.