Fresh Thoughts from Orrganics

Friday, May 27, 2011

How Easy is That?

As you already know, I love farmers' markets - fresh, organic and so much color!

Not to disappoint, we were at The New Hope Farmers' Market yesterday (every Thursday now thru November) at it's new location on Route 202 near The Giant. While we prefer last year's location at The High School, we are glad it is here.

One of the many veggies we bought was kale - at the request of my 11 year old (I kid you not). And, apparently I did not buy enough. Here is what we did to cook it up:

Clean the kale well and then chop it up into pieces about 1/2 inch but not too small.

Cook it down in a skillet with some olive oil, garlic and a bit of sea salt.

All done.

How easy was that?

Think of it as an alternative to the typical Memorial Day sides.

We served it up with some steaks.

We loved the rainbow greens but bought the kale instead (pink arrow)

Enjoy!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

The Paper Runway

Earlier this the week I was in NYC for the National Stationery Show. Picked up a new line, connected with some vendors & walked right into a paper fashion show. All the outfits were created by fashion and visual merchandising students out of paper. Here are some pics - really unbelievable work. The winner, "voted on by America," (well at least those that attended the Show) will receive cash and a window display at Kate's Paperie during Fashion Week. Really puts to shame the old version of paper dolls wouldn't ya say! Which one is your favorite?

Notice the handmade paper - just like the mulberry paper I made in Israel last summer.

A "leather" number

Serious

Spring Luncheon Attire!

Love the scarf - reminds me of Ya Living's handmade scarves from India

I feel a little "Dickens" here

Even the dog is made from paper!

Friday, May 13, 2011

Have You Seen a Double?

Driving home from Somewhere last week, as I came Over the hill, I was confronted head on, through my car window, with one of the prettiest and most magical sights - The Rainbow. It took my breath away and put a smile on my face. And, adding to the splendor was the fact that it was a double. The lime green field is pretty impressive too!

Some of my favorite quotes from The Wizard of Oz:

"Are you a good witch or a bad witch?"

"...But, some people without brains do an awful lot of talking...don't they?"

"A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others."

Do you have a favorite quote from this movie? Please share!

Friday, May 6, 2011

Racin' Juleps

Off to the races! This weekend is the Kentucky Derby and, coming off the Royal Wedding, it will be another day to remark upon all the hats.

However, putting all hats aside, another traditional Derby must is the Mint Julep. I had my first one as a house guest on the French Riviera - proving that this classic drink, while traditionally southern, travels nicely. It was skillfully made and served in the traditional chilled silver cup. Here is my take on the way to make a derby cocktail and, if you serve it with a necklace of fresh roses (from Daily Candy), it is also the perfect way to also celebrate Mother's Day this Sunday. So fresh, pretty and fun!

Classic Mint Julep, photo from Southern Living

Jackie's Mint Julep
(adapted from Southern Living recipe and About.com Cocktails)

For an individual serving:

4 fresh organic mint leaves
1 fresh organic mint sprig for garnish
1 tablespoon (about 1/2 ounce) of mint simple syrup (recipe below)* OR 2 sugar cubes
2- 2.5 ounces of bourbon (about 4-5 tablespoons)
Crushed ice (not to fine; I like being chunks)
1 chilled silver julep cup or tall Collins or highball glass (if using these tall glasses, use about 3 ounces of bourbon)
Cocktail straw

Preparation:
1. Place mint leaves and simple sugar (or cubes) into the cup/glass and muddle to mix and or release aroma and oil of the mint.
2. Add crushed ice to fill cup/glass.
3. Add bourbon.
4. Mix well, add mint sprig for garnish and straw.

Drink, I mean, serve immediately! Some sprinkle with powdered sugar. Best if made individually and best to sip slowly.

Happy Derby Day and Happy Mother's Day to all you horse fans and nurturers out there!

Invite from the Fabulous Luscious Verde Essentials Collection, let's customize for next year!

*To make 2 cups of mint simple sugar:

1 cup sugar

1 cup of water

10-12 fresh organic mint sprigs

Bring to a boil 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water to a boil, stir often for 5 or so minutes until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and add mint, then cool completely.

Pour into a glass jar; cover and chill 24 hours (ideally). Remove and discard mint. This syrup will last in the refrigerator for 1 week.

Enjoy!

Friday, April 29, 2011

Don't You Love a Royal and Crazy Wedding Hat?!

On my way to witness The Royal Wedding

Settling In

Really, I must get on with the day - car pool time!

If only... a "fascinator" by the creme de la creme milliner Philip Treacy

Reading my blog you may already know that I love hats and I love weddings, so what a fitting combination for me, hats at a wedding - The Royal Wedding. Hats are a tradition in England and everyone wears them - I wish it were so here in the U.S.
Philip Treacy is the milliner. I adore the bright colors, the shapes and the whimsy on the fabulous hats or better called "fascinators". Two of my favorites are those outrageous and crazy hats/headpieces worn by Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice - especially Eugenie's beige number. It's like an Alice in Wonderland reality show.

Photo from Hollywoodlife.com

I wonder how many of the 1900 or so invited guests found that they could not see directly ahead - or to the side for that matter - from their seats. But, given the occasion, while maybe slightly annoyed, they were probably not surprised by any obstructed view.

On the other hand, my view - at home - was digitally perfect and obstructed only momentarily by the orange juice container.

All in all, the pageantry, the fly over, the mindful manners, Kate's romantic and retro looking dress, the men in uniform, suits and or morning coats and then the picture perfect double kiss (making history) was all truly splendid and well worth the early hour!

Oh, and in honor of hats, the first one in with a custom hat motif on a new stationery order will save a pretty pound.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

What color is your holiday? Mine was true blue.

We are all together and very attentive

Healthy debate

The theme for our Family Passover this year was blue - but in a good way. We were together for our Family Seder (this year on Long Island) for the traditional reading of the Haggadah, light discussion and lots of eating.

During the Seder, the afikoman (1/2 piece of matzo wrapped in cloth, saved to be eaten at the conclusion of the Seder meal) was hidden by 2 key players who also strategically placed decoys to throw off those later participating in the search for this prized matzo. Impressive play. After little Ben found the prize and won the game (there were a few challenges made regarding improper assistance), we orderly* moved into the beautiful blue room to watch the Knicks and Yankees play. (I am confused, this sounds like Thanksgiving.)

It was a true blue and happy family affair - some were MIA but say they will report back next year. Happy Passover to all celebrating this holiday.

Just by coincidence I had my toe nails painted with "NYPD BLUE" just in time for the Seder.

Finally, blue is the traditional color of loyalty.

*Seder means order.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Hats Off! A Time to Celebrate

It's that time of year - graduation!

Be it graduation from high school, college, grad school, moving up to middle school...

whatever it may be, it's time to celebrate!

Here is a sampling to get you in the mood - invites, gifts, stationery and some things just for fun - enjoy! More to come. Of course, we can customize, personalize and even "brand" your graduate and or party as you like. Smart, eh?