A Yeti Fail

I finally printed the yeti crab today,
and sadly the screen didn't shoot properly.















His right claw and the words are spotty,
so I will have to reprint once my supplies
makes it here from Japan.
















rawr. oh well.
Besides the prints, I have also been
working on notebooks to put my
images on, and they are turning out ok.
All turn out to be different sizes in attempt to
align the side, so I have that glitch to work through
but I am generally happy with how the first few turned out.






























If I can get some to be a consistent size I'll sell them
at the artist and fleas market on the 27th.
But we shall see about that.

Who's Hungry? I'm Hungry. Lets talk about Food.

I don't think that I have ever
eaten so well on any vacation.
Or so adventurously for that matter.

If anyone reading this has known me
for more that 3 years you will know that
I used to be an awful eater.
Think no veggies, and many pizza rolls.
It really makes me cringe when I think about it.

Thankfully that is no longer, and I am proud to say
that on the trip I tried escargot















foie gras































a stuffed pigs foot



















and bone marrow.
















Of the 4 I'd say that I enjoyed the foie gras and bone marrow
the most. I ate 2 snails but the second was hard to
get down- it wasn't bad. the texture just got to be too much.
And the stuffed pigs trotter was good, but it just
had a whole lot going on. Many different parts were stuffed in there..


A note about the foie gras....the 2 dishes pictured are
foie gras stuffed ravioli in cream with truffle oil,
and then there is foie gras carpaccio with honey and toast.
These 2 dishes were absolutely outstanding.
Rich, delicious and totally different from our culinary norm.

We're Back!

The bf and I returned to nyc after
a long flight yesterday afternoon.
I am obviously still on Paris time
as it is 6.40am and I am wide awake.

I don't really know where to begin with the trip.
It was amazing.

The city has a kind of charm and beauty that
is completely hypnotizing. It was my second time
visiting and I am so glad that I really got to
know the areas a little better this trip.

I did some things that I wanted to do last time
like, eat ice cream from Berthillon
















I had a scoop each of wild strawberry and peach,
and the bf had chocolate with a rasberry creme' chantilly
aka. rasberry whipped cream...yes. fact.
















This time I couldn't miss the Sacre Coeur, so we caught the view
and I went in and lit a candle for Mom Mom. We then picked up
baguettes and wandered the non-seedy Montmartre area.
FYI: There is a definite distinction
between the two areas...





























We really had such a great time, it's definitely going to
take more than one blog to talk about it all.
The next will be the food blog on all the places
that we ate.

But before I go here are some more photos.

Just Say "Bon Voyage"

We leave for Paris tomorrow.
I have so much to do, I don't know
where to begin!

I'm completely nervous about using my
french on actual frenchies. Perhaps
if we just let them know that we are New Yorkers
they will embrace us as fellow city folks.

Despite my fears, I know that we will be fine.

In other news last weekend was my nephews
1st birthday party. Which, I promise you,
was like no 1st birthday you've ever seen.
As I looked through my photos I realized that I
didn't even have any pictures of Joelie.
Poor thing was being passed around from person
to person all day long.

I do have many pictures of me with purple teeth though,
as I apparently saw fit to drink an entire bottle of
Temperanillo. Why? The same reason I decide it's ok
to drink a bottle of Rose at work.
When it hits your lips, it tastes so good.

But it wasn't just me that was drunk.
Most of the guests were-that especially counts for
my immediate family. But it was all in fun.

Here are some photos from the party.
Feel free to laugh at the shade of my teeth and lips.


These are my younger sisters and I, the non redhead is
the mom of the birthday boy. NanMom.















I love this picture of Fink, Rick, Carly and I
















Pile ups always seem appropriate















My brother and I















Big Big Mees and Fink. Yes she sits on chairs.















My Mom, Aunt Ju-Ju and I















My mom has a super adorable picture of Joelie
in his birthday hat.
I'll post that asap.

Ok enough with the blog. Off to pack
or start something productive.

Stuffs

This Saturday is my nephews first birthday party.
Its hard to believe that it has been an entire year
since he decided to to pop out prematurely.

Joelie has been through more in this past year than most
have to deal with in their lifetimes. But I am
pleased to report that he is a healthy
and happy chub-a-lub.

For his birthday the bf and I got him the
Dr. Seuss birthday book




















and I made him this, it says
" l'explorateur du fond de la mer "
it means the explorer of the bottom of the sea
in french.
















I like the phrase so much that I might make one
for myself. But next time I will silkscreen it
because that stencil tested my patience.
and as some of you may know, my
level of patience for anything is very low.

We leave for New Jersey on 2 days, and then
for Paris in 7. Sooo excited for these trips!
Especially Paris!

Hey New Yorkers...

Did you know that you can bring your compostable items
to the greenmarket to donate to their compost pile?
fact.

Every day that the greenmarket is open, from 8am-5pm
you can drop off your scraps. Their table is usually right across
the street from Barnes and Noble on the North side of the park.

You can also purchase their potting soil mix and vermicompost.

This is the perfect way to put your compostable waste to good use,
without having to compost yourself!

check out their website here

Greenmarket Finds

Here is what I found at the Greenmarket today!















Milk from Milk Thistle Farms (a favorite of mine!)
Dozen Eggs
Rhubarb
Radishes
Multi Whole Grain Bread
Bacon
2 Gala Apples
and a small bouquet of lilacs

I also had purchased a rasberry danish...
but that was eaten en route.

Definitely making more french toast
with the bread/milk/eggs.
(it's so addictive!!)
and debating trying to make a
strawberry rhubarb jam...
eh I'll probably just make a dessert again.

As for the radishes I am thinking of pickling them.
Anyone have a good recipe for that?
I'm into pickling things lately.

Latest Harvest

It's that wonderful time of year when all of my
favorite fruits and veggies come back to the
greenmarket.

Each week is more exciting because there are
always new harvests. Seasonal cooking is the best.

The 2 new additions to the market today
were rhubarb and asparagus. So for breakfast
I made Hobo eggs with asparagus and parmesan.
The bread was a Whole grain from the Bread Alone
Bakery. I got the approval from the bf, and I thought
that they were pretty delicious too.

As soon as I saw the rhubarb I needed strawberries
and I had to make a pie. This is currently baking in my oven.
I really hope it turns out well.















I didn't have enough dough to make the pretty lattice
pattern on top. So I cut out circles from what I did have.















Needless to say, I will not be photographing the pie
as a whole. So here is a slice.
It tastes delicious. FYI
















I also got a lovely item in the mail today!
A few days ago I had entered a contest for a
new wine book on twitter via SterlingBooks.
and I actually won! I never win anything!

















It arrived today, and I am excited to read it,
definitely need to improve my knowledge of french
wines before the trip...though I'm just going to ask for
Beaujolais anyway...kidding. Its funnier at work.


Oh! and before I go, check out the new banner at my etsy shop!
It was made by my very dear friends Carly and Rick.
I love it as much as I love them

Whew!

The Spring Fling Market was today,
and it went really well!

I had 11 sales, which is more than I
could have hoped for, and I had
so many friends come out to support.

I even had my Friday night bar regulars
Tom and Eleanor come out to Queens,
it really felt good to get support from
so many people. (big thanks!)

I fell absolutely delirious right now,
from lack of sleep ,and waking up early.
So I am just going to post some photos
from today. and Then pass out on my couch.
After my nap I need to clean up the hurricane
style mess that I have created in the living room.


My Table!















The bf doing his best Esperanza impression.
(Esperanza=the owner of our laundromat.
He likes to sleep with his pants unbuttoned.)




















Little Bunny Banner
















The real little bunny.





















More tomorrow...

3 Whole days

This is my 3rd consecutive day off.
And I am really enjoying it!

Sunday and Monday were my usual days but
today means business. I will be drawing and
making watercolor cards all day.
If my gocco supplies arrives it will be a printing day too.
(which I hope that it is)

I am living in constant fear that I won't have enough
items for this craft show. and that it will looks like
a cluster of random things.
If you know me, that's kind of how my life is normally
so I am not suprise by the collection of whatevers, but I don't
know if people will be put off by the non-uniformity of it all.
sorry. I'm a worrier - I won't be as neurotic next time.

Goodness enough about that.

Yesterday was awesome.
The bf and I ventured back to Spa Castle
in Flushing. It is definitely the most relaxing place
in the entire city.














I know that I had posted about it the last time
I was there but I figured that I'd gush about it again.












We spent time in the gender specific locker areas
(where you have to be naked and it feels good to be),
the rooftop pool, the may different saunas, and of course
had a cheeseburger and smoothie.
There was even a point where we laid in these
huge comfy recliners and I passed out cold.















So relaxing. We could barely do anything else
for the rest of the day!
It was definitely a treat, and who would ever
know that this is just 45 minutes away??

If you have a day off and $35 to spare.
definitely check it out.

Pancake Connoisseur

I consider myself to be one.
I've eaten lots of them.
Tried many different recipes.















and I will say that they have vastly
improved since I gave up the Bisquik mix
and went to making them from scratch.

I always use butter, never use oil,
use the least amount of sugar possible,
and when I do use it it is always turbinado
or cane....none of that white stuff.

You'd be surprised at how different pancakes turn out
with tiny changes.















I'm rambling.
ANYWAY!
My point is that I am currently making
my latest favorite recipe.
So I figured that I'd share both of my favs
with you, my lovely readers. : ]

This is for Banana/PB Whole Wheat Pancakes
2/3 c. unbleached flour
1/3 c. whole wheat flour
2 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 egg, beaten
2/3 c. milk
2 tbsp. butter, melted (optional)
1 banana
a crapload of peanut butter

Mix together dry ingredients, add egg,
milk and butter. whisk til perfect batter consistency forms.

Add in either mashed or chopped bananas
(or any fruit of your choice)
and of course the PB is optional.

Toss small amount onto a heavily buttered skillet
and fry to your hearts content.


Seriously they are awesome.
Next is what I am making now.

Buttermilk Pancakes.

1 cup of Unbleached All Purpose flour
1 cup Whole Wheat flour
1/4 cup of turbinado or cane sugar
2 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
2 cups Buttermilk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted. and additonal for frying.

In a large bowl sift together dry ingredients
Combine wet ingredients and slowly combine
with the dry.
Do not over mix!
Throw some butter into the skillet and
fry to your hearts content!

Easy as Pie.

Otter friends.

I finally gocco'd a card set
that I have been planning forever.

Meet my otter friends.

















I think I will be creating many series'
of same and different species friends.
I like this theme. It makes me happy.


My 1st craft show is in less than 2 weeks
so I've been trying to make as much as possible.
I'm kind of winging this whole thing so we
shall see how it all pans out

xo

Ramps. Glorious Ramps.

Apparently Tom Colicchio started
this ramp bandwagon..so says the bf..
But I got my tip off for ramp season
from Bon Appetit magazine
(where I get most of my culinary info)
















I had never heard of ramps before, but
being a fan of leeks I figured they were worth
looking into.

Ramps, or wild leeks are from the same
family as onions, garlic, and scallions.
These Alliums are good sources of iron,
and vitamins A and C.
Their season last from late March
until June, so grab them at the farmers market
when you see them!

(sidenote: these are an item that you will
NOT find at your local supermarket.
You'll have to check with the local farmers)

Anyhow, I was at the market yesterday and I grabbed
up a few bunches of ramps.
Last night I made a spicy sausage and ramp risotto.
Which was ridiculously delicious!
And once I get my coriander in from
MySpiceSage I will be making
Ramp and Buttermilk Biscuits with
cracked coriander. yum.

Here is the recipe for the risotto.
I also purchased the sausage from the market
Spicy Turkey sausage from DiPaola's Turkey farm.

• 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
• 1/2 pound hot Italian sausages, casings removed
• 12 ramps, trimmed; bulbs and slender stems sliced, green tops thinly sliced
• 1 cup arborio rice
• 1/2 cup dry vermouth
• 3 cups (or more) low-salt chicken broth
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus additional for passing

Preparation

• Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add sausage.
  
• Cook until no longer pink, breaking up with spoon, about 5 minutes.
  
• Add sliced ramp bulbs and stems. Sauté until almost tender, about 2 minutes.
  
• Add rice and stir 1 minute. Add vermouth.
  
• Simmer until liquid is absorbed, about 1 minute.
  
• Add 3 cups chicken broth, 1 cup at a time,
  
• simmering until almost absorbed before next addition and stirring often.
  
• Continue cooking until rice is just tender and risotto is creamy,
  
• adding more broth if dry and stirring often, about 18 minutes.
  
• Mix in green tops and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
  
• Season risotto to taste with salt and pepper.
  

This is such a rich and amazing dish-its definitely worth making
at least once.

A Lovely Getaway.

My friend Drew and I took the 10am
train from NY to NJ on Sunday morning.

We spent Easter with my family
and it was lovely. I had a few glasses
of champagne, loads of food,
and a fair amount of reese's eggs.

I had planned on taking lots of photos
but they all ended up being of Joelie.
He is just too cute!












































He will be celebrating his 1st birthday next month,
and I cannot wait. I'm going to buy him so many gifts!

This was just a mini blog.
I have to work on some squids,
so I can't stay long.

I Said Good Day!

Its good friday.
Which used to mean
visiting church at noon,
and then for the next 3 hours
electronics were off limits.

These days I'm blasting MGMT,
and blogging.
I also don't even think that my
mom observes her old rules anymore.
The times they are a changin',
and that is just fine with me.

I'm in the process of a nutritional overhaul.
I've been reading Real Food (what to eat and why)
by Nina Planck. And I gotta say,
it's the most comprehensive food book
I have ever read. It answers all of my food
questions and provides loads of interesting tidbits.

I've started to include fish in my diet,
which if you know me-is a HUGE step.
I have realized that not all fish taste like the bottom
of the ocean- and the nutritional benefits
are just ridiculous, it even helps with depression!

I'm making other changes, but I am going to spare you
all the details because I'll feel like I am standing on my own
personal soapbox shouting about the new information I've
read in this book. And I really don't want to do that.


















Just know that the book is awesome,
and if you are obsessed with the farmers market
as I am-then you might want to pick it up.
It's less abrasive than death by supermarket and more
informative than In defense of food.
So there ya go.

Trial and Error.

I wanted to avoid using plastic bags
at the upcoming craft fair.
So I am sitting here trying to create
an up-cycled carry case out of
whole foods paper bags.















The latest model seems to be the winner,
















I just need to clean it up a little more and
we will be set.
















My goal is to not buy any kind of packaging.
Even if they don't want to keep these covers
at least they can be composted or recycled.
















Once I figure this down to a science
I will post a tutorial.

Critiques are encouraged and appreciated.