Fresh and Vintage

An abundance of apples!

That's what happens after a morning of apple picking. Aside from eating them for breakfast and adding them to oatmeal, salads and sandwiches, I like to use them for baking.

I made this satisfying Apple Snacking Spice Cake from the Flour cookbook.

If you'd like to make it, here is the recipe:

Apple Snacking  Spice Cake {from Flour Bakery in Boston}
Makes one 10-inch round cake

Ingredients:
1 cup (140 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (90 grams) cake flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks/170 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 eggs
4 cups (450 grams) peeled, cored, and chopped apples (about 2 to 3)
1/2 cup (80 grams) raisins
1 cup (100 grams) pecan halves, toasted and chopped
Confectioner's sugar for dusting 

Procedure:

• Position a rack in the center of the oven, and heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour a 10-inch round cake pan.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer, sift together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. (Or, sift together into a medium bowl if using a handheld mixer). Fit the mixer with the paddle attachment. Add the granulated sugar and butter to the flour mixture and beat on medium speed for about one minute, or until the butter is fully incorporated into the dry ingredients. Stop the mixer several times to scrape the paddle and the sides of the bowl to make sure all of the butter is mixed in. Add the eggs and mix on low speed for 10 to 15 seconds, or until fully incorporated. Then, turn the mixer to medium-high speed and beat for about 1 minute, or until the batter is light and fluffy.
• Using a rubber spatula, fold in the apples, raisins, and pecans. The batter will be very stiff and thick. It will look like too many apples and not enough batter, but that's okay. Scrape all of the batter into the prepared pan, then spread it evenly to fill the pan.
• Bake for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the cake feels firm when you press it in the middle and the top is dark golden brown. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
• Invert the cake onto a serving plate, lifting away the pan, and then invert the cake again so it is right-side up. Slice and plate, then dust with confectioner's sugar.
• The cake can be stored in a airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Or, it can be well wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 2 weeks; thaw at room temperature for serving. 

I used a biscuit cutter to form this mini round cake, dusted it with confectioner's sugar, and garnished it with a cinnamon stick. Doesn't it look like a dessert from a patisserie? 

I also served it on a vintage plate {a gift from a cousin} and a thrifted fork. TADA!

Apple Art

We just came from a day of apple picking and while snacking on and cooking with apples is expected, I made sure to preserve their beauty before consumption. 

I purposely picked this apple with stem and leaves on. It's not something I regularly see at the supermarket!

I used it as a subject for practicing some watercolor. Fruits are one of my favorite muses.

I chose an old book as my canvas. A painting instantly turns a blank page from blah to TADA!:

A notation at the bottom of the page will remind me later on of this crisp autumn day. TADA!

Apple Picking

Happy Monday lovelies!

When Autumn rolls in, a road trip is in order. It's one of the fun ways to see nature's beautiful colors.

And since we were on the road anyway, we stopped by an orchard to go apple picking.

It was a cool and comfortable day to be outdoors. 

Rows upon rows of apple trees. Visitors are welcome to picnic underneath them.

Part of the thrill is looking for the apples.

Apples hang low...

And some are too high up.

Inevitably, many apples fall on the ground.
 

Vibrant and freshly picked. 

It's an activity that the whole family will greatly enjoy.

Here is our haul. 

There's also a country store on the premises selling bottles of pickles, preserves and honey, plus gifts and souvenirs. There's also a little snack shack with after-apple-picking treats like pizza, ice cream and cider doughnuts.

All this week, I'll show you how I turn these apples from blah to TADA! 

A Crafter's Paradise

Hello and Happy Friday!

Today's post is still about the Martha Stewart American Made craft event. There was a market where the makers/owners were present.

There was also an exhibit of the 2013 Honorees' beautiful products.

And what is a Martha Stewart event without craft sessions? Here, a demonstration of Martha's newest products like glass etching materials and decoupage kits {with an oil cloth finish!}.

I was able to score a bottle of paint! TADA!

There were also many interactive stations like braiding friendship bracelets...

Paper lace making using these cool craft punches...

And creating relief patterns using silicone molds and special clay.

There was also a DIY embroidery booth.

The beginnings of my project {it's still a work in progress since I didn't get to finish it at the event}.

We also got this bucket with retro candy.

And one of the most useful giveaways were these totes that were silk screened on the spot.

A little reminder that "American Made" is alive and well. And with creativity and hard work we, too, can be on the road to successful entrepreneurship.

Have an inspiring weekend!

Meeting the Makers

As you've noticed, all this week, I've been telling you about a recent event called Martha Stewart American Made, a craft soiree featuring businesses born out of passion.

Everyone loves a success story and each participant and honoree has one to tell.

I was able to walk around the American Made market showcasing more than 80 purveyors and crafters from all over the United States. Here are some of my favorites:

Aren't these paper flower lovely and so lifelike? They're made by Livia Cetti of The Green Vase.

I got to chat with the owners of Vermont Rolling Pins, a husband and wife duo {he makes the rolling pins, she takes care of marketing/photography/social media}. These are rolling pins that are worthy of displaying in the kitchen but they do a good job with rolling dough. Hmmm, which one to choose? 

And look, Martha Stewart bought one of the rolling pins herself! {I whispered to the owner, "It's Martha!" and we both pretended we weren't starstruck}.

By their booth display alone, I already knew that Parcel was one little magical store filled with gifts and paper goods. I would love to step into their shop and hang out there all day!

Bellocq Tea specializes in luxurious tea blends. The packaging is premium and the service, personalized. A trip to their Brooklyn store is on my wish list.

Vintage by Crystal is a story land of ornaments. These are meticulously made using an old German craft of spinning cotton...isn't that TADA!? I love how each piece is unique and has a soul.

If you're interested in the other shops that participated at the American Made market, and maybe do some shopping yourself, check this out. Have a happy Thursday!

Admirable Makers Part 2

Owning a business is a goal for a lot of people, myself included. It's a daunting endeavor but for the many who have started theirs and recount their stories of success and failure, only ignites courage -- that little push we need -- within us.    

This was the theme of Martha Stewart American Made, a recent fair in New York City, celebrating the maker, the handmade, and the local enterprise. Part of the event was an night of award giving to businesses that showcase quality and innovation. I featured some of the nominees yesterday. Here's the last of the batch:

Back to the Roots, urban mushroom farmers.  Founders Nikhil Arora and Alejandro Velez went into business instead of pursing a career in the corporate world. Their goal is to develop products that connect families to food. Their advice for those who wish to start their own business: "Get out there and demo and talk to customers! Share your idea –– don't get caught in the idea that "someone will steal this." A passion or idea is 1% of the challenge, executing is the other 99%. Sharing your passion with others –– customers, partners, friends –– and getting their feedback and thoughts will help you see where the opportunity exists. What about it gets them most excited? Just share and talk to as many people as possible. Get a booth at farmer's market, and don't leave till you talk to 200 people. You'll leave with a much better business plan than any online research will get you!"

Woodberry Kitchen, a farm-to-table restaurant. Founders Mike and Amy Gjerde's food for thought: "Do what matters to you, and only what matters to you."

Pinnell Custom Leather, maker of leather products. Founder Charles Pinnell has this advice: "Stay true to your work, stay true to yourself, and stay true to your customer. Say what you mean and mean what you say."

Archi's Acres describes themselves as "developers of sustainable, hydroponic, organic farming to create opportunities for our returning veterans." Everything about that statement is TADA! Founders Karen and Colin Archipley have this to say about turning one's passion into a business: "Be willing to dedicate 100% to making sure your dream is realized. Prepare, prepare, prepare....Know your product, who your customer is and know your competitors and be ready to devote your life to making it a success."

I hope you found their stories inspiring. See you tomorrow!

Admirable Makers Part 1

If you've ever read Martha Stewart Living Magazine, it spotlights a lot of small business owners from across the United States who make products with their hands and hearts.

It was only fitting that those featured in the magazine over the years come together in a craft market called Martha Stewart American Made held last month at the Vanderbilt Hall of Grand Central Station.

Part of the event was to take notice of these "Tastemakers", who are described as the next generation of great American makers who inspire us with their beautiful goods, quality craftsmanship, and innovative ideas. These creative entrepreneurs turned their passion into a thriving business. 

They were recognized in an awards ceremony. Below are the 2013 American Made Honorees. Maybe their stories can help us take that first step in creating a business that we can each call our own. 

Spoonflower, a website where you can design your own fabric, wallpaper, decals and giftwrap. Gart Davis and Stephen Fraser, founders, acknowledge collaboration as part of their success: "It's the character of crafters around the world, creating a friendly, encouraging atmosphere."

Shinola, makers of watches, bicycles and leather goods. Heath Carr, business owner, has this advice: "Make sure you stay true to your original vision, and don’t get dissuaded by those who will want to tell you why you can’t do this or that. Focus instead on why you should, and what story you want to tell the world."

Folk Fibers, championing natural dyes and quilting. Founder Maura Grace Ambrose has these wise words: "It's okay to wait until you're ready. I got a job in "my industry" right after college and burned out after a year. The following six years I spent following my interests to different jobs including portrait photography, preschools, and farming. Now that I have Folk Fibers I can see a very clear connection between all these disciplines and where I am now. I learned to be okay with my path and trusting that things would work out."

Portland Meat Collective, a travelling butchering school. Founder Camas Davis has this to say: "I started a business that would teach me what I wanted to do. I suspect one could start a Portland Cheese Collective or a Portland Carpentry Collective using the same basic model. If you can't find a class to teach you the thing you want to know, create a class yourself! Also, it's okay to start small. Test the market. Don't commit yourself to a 3,000 square foot space until you know you have the clientele you need. Lastly, people love a good story. If you are passionate about something and you want to start a business based on that passion, be sure to tell your own story about your own passion. It will connect people to you instantly."

Lindsey Adelman Studio, lighting designer and owner, offers this advice:  "Work for other people that you respect first. Then be true to yourself and –– practically-speaking –– meet regularly with a business coach to get it started. It helps you plan and helps turn what you love into profit so you can live off of your work. And honestly I believe everyone benefits when people follow what they love. The support will show up."

More honorees and their businesses tomorrow. Have a nice day!