Some things we made this month…

Posted by kait / January 31, 2011

Is it really February tomorrow? Where has January gone? Not that I really care about January all that much — but how is it that I have neglected my sweet blog for quite so long!? Anyways, please excuse the absence — life has been busy. Working 9-5pm and then working into the night on my own projects and also other peoples projects. Things are really good right now, really good and busy.

Byron and I have been busy making our new apartment a lovely home. So much to do still — another pair of curtains, hanging up floating shelves, organizing the pantry, finding magical pieces on kijiji and giving them a place to call home. We absolutely love it though. Our dining table has been working out splendidly. It is so nice to finally have a place to eat instead of just grazing on our food on the couch. We are having an Italian-inspired dinner party this Friday evening with two couple friends we have. I am excited because there is so many diet restrictions at this party: vegetarian, celiac, nut allergy, spice-intolerant, and two guys (including Byron) will eat just about anything! I am thinking a vegetable rich tomato sauce will do the trick over some delicious brown rice spaghetti. One of my friends is making a Caprese Salad while the other is bringing a beautiful Italian dessert (yet to be disclosed). I plan on picking up plenty of both white and red Italian wines and perhaps making some crusty gluten-free garlic bread.

Here are some photos of our food experiments over the past month. We’ve really tried to branch out in terms of our day-to-day cooking.

We made Vietnamese Soup for the first time ever at home. It was surprisingly easy to make and absolutely delicious. I love the rice glass noodles saturated in all of the yummy spices. A bit of fresh tomato and lime really do wonders in terms of flavour.

I am a little wary about the rare beef slices that the recipe called for so I just used beef stirfry strips fully cooked in the soup.

I’ve had a bag of cornmeal sitting in my pantry for a couple of months now, so when I came across a recipe for polenta and ice cream on twitter I had to try it out. I really love the texture of polenta and it was heavenly with the ice cream, but the recipe made far too much and we ended up throwing half of it away. Probably a good snack or dessert if you have guests. A nice brunch item.

Last week, Byron crafted this beautiful lemon cheesecake for us. It was based on a Weightwatchers recipe and was made with cottage cheese and light cream cheese which made me feel less guilty about consuming 2 pieces of it in one day. The fresh grated lemon zest was my favourite part about it. A little bit of zing in each bite!

My Mom has been cooking epic roasts for years now so I though I might try my hand at it. I found a fabulous plump roast at Superstore for only $4.50 and I smothered it in sage, pepper, and olive oil. I cooked it in a big dish with plenty of garlic cloves, sliced onions, and halved baby red potatoes. For my first time cooking a roast I am amazed it turned out so well. Byron and I couldn’t get enough — it was delicious!

Tangy Treat for Your Toast: Blood Orange Marmalade

Posted by kait / January 18, 2011

I got this recipe from my absolute new favourite blog, Food in Jars. It is amazing (the blog and the marmalade). If you like tangy spreads, this marmalade is for you. Who can resist picking up those juicy blood oranges from the Farmers Market? I sure can’t.

Enjoy this recipe:

Blood Orange Marmalade

10 cups of chopped blood oranges (I threw in one grapefruit)
4 cups sugar
1 cup liquid (orange juice, water, or some combination of the two)
1 lemon, juiced
1 packet liquid pectin (use two if you like a more jellied consistency)

Sterilize your jars in your preferred manner.

Put fruit, sugar, liquid and lemon juice in a 4-quart, non-reactive pot and bring to a boil. Reduce temperature and cook at a simmer for 10-15 minutes (you want it to look syrup-y and shiny). Bring back to a boil and add pectin. Stir to combine and let bubble for 2-3 minutes.

Remove marmalade from head and ladle into jars. Wipe the rims and threads of the jars with a cloth dipped into your sterilization water and apply lids and bands. Put into water bath and process for ten minutes.

the great table & birthday brunches

Posted by kait / January 17, 2011

This past Sunday, Byron and I hosted our first family meal in our new apartment. This was all thanks to our lovely new table and chairs that we purchased over the weekend. We put together a little joint birthday brunch for my parents who both had birthdays this month, my Mom on the 4th and my Dad on the 13th. Its been a crazy month so decided that this Sunday would be the best day to have it. Coco Puff came over too and here she is looking so sweet in the Roots sweatshirt she got for Christmas. Keeps her nice and warm in these -25 degree conditions.

We went to the new Farmers Market in town, Kingsland Farmers Market, on Saturday and had a really great time picking out delicous things for the birthday brunch. This goat brie we found was amazing and so was the goat cheese with cinnamon saskatoon berries! We also got some great fruit wines that are from Strathmore of all places. Utterly perfect for cheesy brunch. Yum.

Also picked up these macaron-encrusted marshmallows from this delightful macaron stand at the market. I am going to try to recreate these for our 1960s french-inspired housewarming party next month. I am also going to attempt macarons though I am a little nervous — they are so cute and perfect looking!!! Anyways, these were a perfect dessert for our brunch, though I didn’t stop there. I also made a smokin hot apple crisp with fresh whipped cream. Heavenly! And fattening! But so worth it — birthdays are all about indulging a bit, whether it is your birthday or not!!!

So many treats on our lovely new table! Gypsy salami, sundried tomato havarti, goat brie, goat cheese with cinnamon saskatoon berries, fresh avacado, sauteed vegg (portobellos, red peppers, grape tomatoes, and sweet onion), feta stuff jalapenos, sweet pickles & rhubarb jelly & blood orange marmalade all made by me! We also had a fresh loaf of homemade bread cut into strips and heavily toasted. Meant to be smothered in cheese and jams.

I nearly forgot I also made a sweet tomato & basil soup as a starter. tasted so good with a chunk of the toast dipped in it! Also, those monster grapes were incredible.

A better view of our pretty new table. We already had the two swivel chairs and got the two danish modern-inspired chairs to go with them, with plans to get two more when we have more cash! It is so lovely having a dining table finally! Feels like a real home or somethin!

Hibernating: Winter Vegetable & Gouda Fettuccine

Posted by kait / January 17, 2011

I had to share this delicious winter-inspired recipe that I tried out last night. I found the recipe off of Cityline’s website and altered it a bit to fit what I had in the fridge. If you like tasty farm-y type food, you will love this simple and yummy recipe.

Brown Rice Fettuccine with Winter Veggies and Cheese

1 package of brown rice fettuccine
1 1/2 cup gouda cheese
1cup Swiss chard chopped
1cup roasted squash diced
1cup spinach chopped
1cup Brussels sprouts shredded
1cup baked potato diced
4 cloves garlic sliced
1 bunch sage (I used dried sage and it tasted amazing)
Salt & pepper to taste
4 tbsp butter

1)   Cook the pasta in plenty of salted boiling water until al dente.
2)   While you wait for the pasta, prepare the sauce. Preheat a skillet and add the butter, the sage and once the butter foams add the garlic and the hard vegetables like the sprouts and squash and potatoes, sauté for a minute.
3)   Add the rest of the vegetables, cook until tender, about 4 minutes.
4)   Taste for correct seasoning and add some of the pasta water to prevent burning, turning the fire off also will help to prevent burning the sauce.
5)   Once the pasta is cooked; strain the water and add the pasta to the vegetables.
6)   Finally add the cheese, mix well and serve immediately.

Serves 6.

I have a new thing for brussel sprouts. For one, they are dirt cheap and number two they are tasty!

Mmm….the vegetables look so delicious. I love how green Swiss Chard gets when it is cooking.

A mild Gouda will do the trick.

The finished dish. So tasty and healthy!

Coffee Run: Communitea Cafe

Posted by kait / January 3, 2011

I will go pretty far to get a great cup of coffee. After living in Banff for over a year, I routinely went back and spent hours in the Wild Flour Bakery on Bear Street. I would plunk down with a FFWD, the Globe & Mail, and an Atwood novel and dissolve into a deep espresso calm. The mountains have always have had that effect on me, some sort of ethereal peacefulness. Couple that with a great latte and you’ve got my perfect day.

Since the fall however, I have developed a new mountainous caffeinated love affair. Complete with gluten-free baked goods, the Communitea Café has captured my heart in a new way. Perhaps my tastes have changed over the years. When I frequented the Wild Flour, I was a wistful daydreaming single girl who preferred several espressos con panna and a peanut butter cookie. Now, as a completely stable 25 year old married woman, I go for that nonfat latte with a vegetarian breakfast wrap. And there is nothing wrong with that. Right?

I first discovered Communitea Café by way of the YYC Disloyalty Initiative. My husband and I decided that the hour and a bit drive to Canmore would actually be more enjoyable than waiting for the nearby diners to open up in the same amount of time. On a Sunday morning we got there in record time, making this the perfect breakfast adventure for the Calgarian looking for a quick city escape.

The service is impeccable and the food is healthy and fresh. Despite their namesake, Communitea does not only have tea (though for all you tea drinkers out there – their selection is huge and unique.), they carry Intelligentsia and Black Cat espresso beans meaning you can get a beautifully strong cup of brew or an expertly poured cappuccino made to order.

Communitea is also completely tapped in to their consumer. They host weekly live music concerts in their space, wheeling teapot filled bookcases out of the way for amps, sound boards, and instruments. For a small venue they have attracted some big time performers their way including the likes of Cuff the Duke, Yukon Blonde, and Luke Doucet. In fact, music is the way I first connected with Marnie Danserau, owner of Communitea. Well, music and a little social media tool we like to call Twitter.

Dan Magnan had played the Communitea the night before I was going to see him play at Calgary’s Knox United Church. Marnie got in touch with me via Twitter after I had raved about them on my profile. She thanked me for the kind words and asked me to assist her on a top-secret Holiday Mission. The task was to pick up an autographed Dan Magnan vinyl record and t-shirt from the Merch Booth courtesy of Dan’s brother. All I had to was bring it to Communitea before Christmas so that Marnie could give it to her Dan Magnan super-fan fiancé. I finally made it to Canmore one last time before the holidays this past weekend and got to meet Marnie in person. All I can say is what a kind and humble entrepreneur she is. It is rare to come across someone who truly understands customer service and while Canmore is a small town, they do get that influx of city dwellers over the weekend and she really makes the effort to make each customer feel important and special. Communitea truly is a hidden gem in our Rocky Mountain neighbours – it’s worth taking that hour drive out of the city.

Where: Communitea Café Corner of 6^th Ave and 10^th Street, Downtown Canmore AB

When: Weekends are my favourite time to go. Open 9am – 5pm Saturday & Sunday.

What to Order: The Classic Big Breakfast Panini with Avocado & a large latte. Afterwards, get a gluten-free chocolate cupcake to go.

Say Hi: to Marnie and the gang! They love to meet all of their customers personally so go ahead, say hi!

Crispin Glover returns to Calgary

Posted by kait / January 3, 2011

I had a chance to see Crispin Hellion Glover two years ago at The Plaza Theatre. I was so excited. A cult icon who was also in my all-time favourite film, Back to the Future as George McFly, in spitting distance? It was a dream come true. It is a truly incredible experience to watch this man talk. And he can talk. For over two hours Mr. Hellion Glover spoke straight, first narrating his slide show and answering questions with lengthy soliloquies. For any film buff and/or lover of outsider art, this will make the perfect gift

Event Info: The Calgary Underground Film Festival (CUFF) and The Uptown are co-presenting CRISPIN HELLION GLOVER and his BIG SLIDE SHOW!

If you missed him two years ago, or are dying to see part two, you have to come this time for sure! Both evenings will consist of his BIG SLIDE SHOW (different show each night), a FILM SCREENING (35mm), Q&A and BOOK SIGNING. …

For the slide show, Crispin Hellion Glover performs a one hour dramatic narration of eight different profusely illustrated books. The images from the books are projected behind Mr. Glover during his performance.

JANUARY 11 @ 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (book signing to follow) FILM: It Is Fine! EVERYTHING IS FINE. (Part 2 of the “It” Trilogy)

JANUARY 12 @ 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (book signing to follow) FILM: What Is It? (Part 1 of the “It” Trilogy)

TICKETS: 18A + Regular Admission: $20/ $35 for both Students & CUFF Members: $18/ $30 for both A

dvance tickets will be available beginning December 6, at Bird Dog Video, The Uptown or at the door. http://www.crispinglover.com/

The Great Dinner Table Search

Posted by kait / January 2, 2011

Its official. Byron and I are on the hunt for a fabulous dining room table for our new place. Our old 50’s diner table is now in our new office space serving as my desk and likely sewing table. And you all know how much we love to cook and entertain, so finding the perfect table is pretty much a huge priority. I kid, I kid. It’s not that big of a deal, but sitting in front of the TV eating off my plate propped on a pillow is not as quite as civilized as I would like to be.

I found this great used Nood Dining set on Craigslist today. It is my perfect ideal of a table and chairs. I love the two types of chairs, mixing things up a bit. The walnut table would go perfectly with the rest of my walnut furniture. The chartreuse green adds a bit of playfulness which is what our design mandate requires. It is just too bad I don’t have $1750 lying around for this kind of purchase. Absolutely fabulous though — I would buy it in a heartbeat!

I love this Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired table and story that Shelley Youngblut shared on the Swerve website. It has all of the qualities of a timeless piece of furniture. Strong, clean lines — beautiful wood, and the chairs are upholstered making them (look) comfortable.

I think I definitely want to go with a wooden table. I don’t like the idea of glass dinner tables. All of the smudges and the ability to see your fee (and other people’s feet) while eating just puts me off slightly. I was considering however the Saarinen repro from IKEA, the Docksta. For only $279 it offers classic midcentury modern style and seating for potentially 8 skinny people. I love this photo below from House & Home magazine where they pair it with two older painted chairs as opposed to the traditional tulip chair that went with the table. Mixing it up is essential. However, my parents own an original from the 1960s (an amazing Value Village find years back) and perhaps one day they will pawn it off on me so I wouldn’t want to be caught with a fake.

If I lived in a loft space I would go with a big lumbery dining table like this one, the Terravida from Crate & Barrel. Unapologetic and bold, this table would only suit a large space and a grandiose rustic meal full of tomatoes and pastas and crusty breads. And lots of wine. Yum.

I guess you could say my first resolution of this year is to start eating at the table. But first I must find one.

oh! the places i’ll go this year!

Posted by kait / January 2, 2011

It has been years since I actually made New Years’ resolutions. I find it difficult placing expectations on myself to do things differently or to start something new. I am one of those people who makes goals. Milestone markpoints. I’ll be awake in the middle of the night and there and then I will decide what I need to do with my life and do it the very next day. That being said, I would like to craft a list of twelve things I would like to do this year. Maybe nothing monumental or crazy — nothing completely life changing or epic, but actual physical goals I can commit to and turn into something wonderful. These are in no particular order and no set date, besides hopefully before January 1, 2012.

1. Work on creating a collection of gluten-free breads and baked goods with Byron to sell to local cafes and coffee shops.

2. Start an etsy shoppe with my Mom combining our love of all things vintage & handmade!

3. Go on a road trip to the states. Hopefully, to see a music festival.

4. Purchase a small plot in a nearby community garden and watch things grow.

5. This is typical, but work out! Gotta get into the fitness zone again and slim down! Who knew that being so happy also make you gain weight?!

6. Publish my first book. It has been sitting on the block for nearly two years and never published it.

7. Write another book. Probably a DIY book on how to live life.

8. Visit San Francisco again.

9. Learn how to drive.

10. Write more and get published.

11. Spend more time with friends. Dinner parties, walks, and talks.

12. Find a new hobby. Canning and preservation is no longer a hobby — its just something I want to do all of the time. I need something new for fun!

2010:a year in pictures

Posted by kait / January 2, 2011

January

January 15th we moved in together in a teensy little apartment in Mission. Look how cute it is!

Joint birthday dinner for Mom & Dad! I made spicy jambalaya with crab legs & shrimp.

I went on my first business trip ever to Montreal for a Social Media Conference.

February

I hosted a Girls Only Valentine Making Party!

We had a Valentines Day Housewarming Party!

March

Us two nerds got engaged!!!

April

Byron & Coco are very hungry for our Easter Dinner at Mom&Dad’s house!

Me, celebrating with my girlfriends!

It was an amazing spring — Byron and I went on lots of bike rides.

It was the perfect time of year!

May

I got in a small bike accident and had to get stitches on my lip. First time for stitches ever.

We saw one of our favourite bands, The Sadies at Dickens Pub.

We got seasons passes to Heritage Park and rode our bikes there every weekend!

June

We went to Lake Bonavista and caught some rays!

Byron discovered he is a pie-master!

I had my bridal shower!!!

Did our engagement photos with Tom in the park!

July

Went on a hike with Jenny & Andy into the Mountains.

We spent a lot of time down by the river in Princes’ Island Park.

August

I turned 25 on August 2nd!

We got married on August 14th!

We saw LOVE in Las Vegas.

Rode cruisers on Venice Beach.

Posed with palm trees.

Searched for cool records in San Francisco.

Got my hair done in San Fran after a day of surfing in Malibu.

September

I started canning and preserving. My first products were pickles & sweet red pepper jelly.

October

Went on our first road trip in our new car to Trail BC to visit the Miller Family!

And we had a huge Thanksgiving feast!

We also had a second Thanksgiving feast at my Mom & Dad’s! Look at the beautiful blue grey pumpkin!

November

I made my first batch of blueberry pie in jar. Heavenly. My parents celebrated their 33rd Wedding Anniversary!

December

I debuted my jams and other gluten free goodies at the Market Collective in December. What a great weekend!

The best Christmas yet thanks to my wonderful family!

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Happy New Year!!!