moving time

I have some big news. K.I.D. Collective is moving. Web sites, that is. Beginning today blogger will redirect you to the new site, thekidcollective.com. If you are subscribed via the RSS feed you'll need to resubscribe because this site will no longer be updated. Hope you like the new look.

photo: feendos

yogurt parfait and granola

I'm back in town and doing some catching up. Fortunately, my sister-in-law, Catherine, put together a post and recipe for me so I can get through my mile long to do list before I get back to this here blog. Thanks Catherine!

I'm a frozen yogurt nut. Actually, the vast majority of my extended family is, too. With the dawn of Pinkberry and Red Mango has exploded a veritable cultured cornucopia of delicious eating. I think the best part of this particular dessert is the toppings. Toppings are easy enough to emulate, but the soft-serve frozen goodness part isn't as easy to procure for home consumption. So the next best thing is fresh yogurt with toppings!

I can't say that I came up with this idea on my own. Casey and I share a mother in law, Sandi. She is a nutrition teacher, and she is always coming up with easy and fun cooking ideas to help promote better eating habits in school aged children. She made yogurt parfaits with her students, and it sounded so good I decided to do a grownup version for the kid in all of us.

Yogurt Parfaits

Plain and/or Vanilla Low or Non-fat yogurt (you can squeeze a little
lemon juice and some agave syrup in to make it really zingy)
Granola (see recipe below)

Other toppings could include strawberries, mangos, raspberries, blueberry compote, chocolate shavings, etc. Or if you want to be really decadent you could put a few brandied cherries on top!

The cool thing about making your own granola is you can put whatever you want in it! I personally hate slivered almonds (hey, we all have something) so for the nuts I used macadamias. You can add fiber filler like wheat germ or you can experiment with different types of grains, seeds, and dried fruit, too.

Homemade Granola

1 lb old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 macadamia nuts (chopped)
1/2 C un-sweetened coconut (shredded)
1/3 C canola oil
1/3 C honey
1/4 C light brown sugar
dash cinnamon
1/8 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of salt

Preparation
Pre-heat oven to 325F

1. In large bowl combine oats, nuts, and coconut.
2. In a small saucepan bring oil, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt to a bare simmer.
3. Pour sugar syrup over dry ingredients and combine.
4. Evenly pour out mix onto a shallow greased baking pan.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, then mix, bake again for another 10 minutes. Keep checking to make sure it doesn't over-brown.
6. Pour toasted granola onto foil to cool.
7. Store cooled granola in an air-tight container. Will keep fresh for up to 2 weeks.
   

Assemble parfaits in layers, or set the whole shebang out for guests to serve themselves.




Some simple tips:

1. For easy dispensing of sticky, viscous ingredients like honey or molasses first spray the inside of the measuring cup with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Easily grease a baking pan by laying the pan on the door of the dishwasher before spraying (make sure the dishes aren't clean in there first). No oily residue on your counter!
3. Put the newly made granola back into the original oats container and top with plastic wrap.

open air-showers

There's something about summer that makes me want to spend all my time outdoors. This isn't a new phenomenon either. While growing up, I spent a good amount of my summers on the water. Whether beach, lake, river or pool, nothing is better after a hard day of playing outdoors to shower outdoors. Not only are outdoor showers great to get all the dirt, sunscreen and muck off before heading inside it's completely invigorating and adds to that summertime feeling to shower en plein aire.

Since I'm traveling for a few weeks I asked my good friend and architect, Gina, if she would be interested in putting together a post for me. She mentioned outdoor showers, she's thinking of installing one at her on home in Nashville, and I completely fell for it. Thanks G!

I think I have been enamored with the idea of outdoor showers since I saw one my cousin designed 7 years ago. It was on the 2nd floor of his house surrounded by a solid wall and vivid tile pattern with only a view of the stars at night. Check out the Sakura House HERE on his website for photos.

Since seeing this first shower, they have been popping up on every trip I take. The one pictured here is at a game reserve in South Africa. The houses (there were 5 clustered together behind a fence) were laid out so none of the bathrooms had a view of any other - ultimate privacy. All you could see from each bathroom was the open savannah and the excited baboons and zebras checking you out taking a shower. I have to admit, this was not as relaxing as I had hoped!


On a trip to Little Corn Island in Nicaragua, my friend Ashley and I only had the option of an outdoor shower. You basically filled a cup of water from a barrel to rinse off. The view however made that one of my most enjoyable bathing experiences.


Now, I know a lot of these places sound exotic, but I plan on putting my very own outdoor shower in my Tennessee backyard. There may not be any zebras to gaze at, but maybe that means I will use the shower on a regular basis.

photos: john clark (1st); misha gravenor (2nd); gina (3rd and 4th); roger d'souza (5th).

pomegranite margarita

My sister-in-law Catherine introduced me to these margs a few months ago.They are great alone but when paired with a Mexican fiesta, they have become my new favorite margarita. This recipe is just as simple to double or triple if you have a group. However, a juicer really helps with all the lime squeezing you'll be doing.

Pomegranate Margarita
makes 4 margs

1 cup. fresh squeezed lime juice
1 cup Triple Sec
1 cup Pomegranate juice
1 cup good tequila
Garnish with mint

Preparation
Mix all ingredients in a pitcher or glass bottle. Serve over ice with a salted glass rim or blended with salt.

Photo: Catherine

made by mosey - for the babes

Wouldn't these buntings be perfect hanging from a little boy or girls bedroom? I love that they are made from vintage fabric and by hand. You can find them here. Each piece is 3m long (approximately 9'-8"). If the length doesn't suit you, be sure to let Madeleine know, she'll whip up a custom size.

the best french toast. ever.

Weekend mornings are relished in my house. Ideally they involve sleeping in, strong coffee, playing with the pup and making breakfast. Usually in that order. If you know me, you know breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I would skip every other meal just to have breakfast. While I don't always eat a big breakfast, often a piece of toast is just enough, I never miss at least having a little something. I love making breakfast almost as much as I love eating it. I would host brunch for 20 in a heartbeat over dinner for 8. There's something about the combination of savory and sweet and planning a meal that's going to last way into the afternoon, and sometimes evening, that gets me a little giddy.

Recently I picked up Molly Wizenberg's new book, A Homemade Life. I first came across her via Orangette, her weekly blog and musings on food. She's a bit of a renaissance woman, with a degree in human biology, French and cultural anthropology. She writes for Bon Appetit, NPR, PBS, Seattle weekly among others. And if that isn't enough, she, alongside her husband (who she met via her blog) have just opened a new restaurant called Delancey in Seattle. Many meals in my home have been inspired by her recipes and antics, you can't help but love her.

I'm a 1/3 of the way through her book and have made 3 recipes so far, all with a great story. Each thing I made was exactly what I was hoping it would be. One in particular I want to share, hope she doesn't mind. You'll have to pick up the book to see the rest.

Burg's French Toast
makes 6 to 8 slices
3 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch of freshly ground nutmeg
Canola or other flavorless oil for frying
6 to 8 slices of day old bread cut on the diagonal 3/4" thick
Pure maple syrup

Preparation
Break the eggs into a wide, shallow bowl. Flat bottom works best here but a bowl will do. Whisk the eggs to break up the yolks. Add the milk, sugar, vanilla, salt and nutmeg and whisk to blend.

Place a heavy large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium high heat, and pour enough oil to completely coat the bottom of the skillet. By completely coat, she means, this isn't the breakfast where you are watching your calorie or fat consumption. This is what makes the french toast the best french toast ever. The only regret you might have with this recipe would be not following the instructions regarding the oil amount. Heat the oil until, when tested with a quick splash of water or egg batter, it sizzles. Then it's ready.

While the oil is heating put a few slices of bread into the egg mixture allowing them to rest for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side. They should feel heavy and saturated but not to the point where they are falling apart. Once fully saturated, carefully place each piece in the skillet and cook 1 to 2 minutes before flipping. Flip when they have reached a golden brown. If the bread starts to burn before it turns golden, turn the heat down. You don't want smoking. Once each side is browned remove from skillet and place on a plate lined with paper towels.

I like to serve my toast with fresh blueberries, thick cut smoked bacon, warm maple syrup (the real stuff) and a big iced coffee. I'm sure strawberries, peaches or bananas would be just as great as would chicken apple sausage.

be still my heart

As an interior designer, I began this blog to post on interiors, home accessories, architecture and things that inspire me. I see so many interior related items on a day to day basis I decided the blog would be an incredible way to catalogue all that I love, be a good spot to send clients, share with friends and anyone else interested. It's now eight months later and I've barely touched on the subject of interiors and architecture. At first I was a little surprised by this stat. My reasoning behind the lack of interiors posts is simple; after a long day of work I have found music, food and fashion a nice change of pace and an opportunity to explore other things I love.

With that said, these pillow covers are just too good to keep a secret. Etsy shop Be Still has an array of pillows and napkins, each with subtle patterns and muted colors. They would work equally well in a rustic cabin as they would a modern loft. The faded colors and bleeding of patterns reminds me of that transition from summer to fall. Perfect for right now. Thanks to Coco+Kelly for the introduction to Be Still.

And from here on out, I promise to post more on interiors. I've had a bit of blogging A.D.D. this summer. Forgive me for getting off track.

anthropologie - real people, real places, paris

The big box retail store has gone and done it again. Yes, I'm talking about Anthropologie. Their August catalogue is straight out of the books of the Satorialist if you ask me. I love it all, particularly the Paris section. Do any of you have a Paris must see, eat or do? Maybe a macaroon spot? If so, drop me a line or comment below. I'll be heading there in just a few weeks.

PS. Don't you just love this buttery yellow sofa? You can find it here.

dirty projectors, stillness is the move

Happy Monday. Here's a little vid of the Dirty Projectors doing their hipster, indie version of Beyoncé. Minus the dance moves, those are not so amazing. Still a great song and cool llama.

brooklyn rehab

Remember the film Amélie? Of course you do, how could you forget. Ever since I saw the film I've wanted both a photo booth and a garden gnome. Sadly part one of my Amélie wish list is too large and too expensive to fit my budget and my home. The garden gnome part seemed like a relatively obtainable task. Or so I thought. Yet, most gnomes out there look like they have had a few too many garden mushrooms or even worse, an evil glare.

This is where Brooklyn Rehab steps in. I came across the Etsy store some time ago but just recently found the garden pal. At 6 inches tall, he's perfect for the garden in the summer and will look just as cute inside during the winter months. Be sure to check out all of Brooklyn Rehab's etsy store.

the waiting game

About this time every year I get antsy. Not for fall and cooler weather as one might expect. I get excited for tomatoes. Not the tomatoes in the stores or at the farmer's market. I'm talking about the kind I can walk out my back door and pick straight from the vine. I get excited for cherry tomatoes I can snack on as soon as I walk through the gate. Unfortunately it's going to be a few more weeks before this will happen. In the mean time, I'm making a list of all the things I can make with all those tomatoes. First up is a tomato sandwich. It might sound boring to you. Add a little salt and pepper and a fresh picked tomato still warm from the garden and it reminds me of home. Do you have any tomato recipes you want to share? Feel free to comment below. Don't be shy.

In the mean time, I thought I would share a few photos from my garden. It's been so rainy this summer, everything is fluorescent green. And I'm loving it.

i have a secret

Without a doubt, I eat Mexican, or some version of Mexican weekly. I don't discriminate either. There's Tex-Mex, New Mex, California Mexican, traditional, southwestern and so on. I love it all. So much so I decided to make my own flour tortillas. I finally found a tortilla press at Sur la Table. I know, a bit of a novelty but if you know how much I love tortillas you would understand. The question now is, have you ever had fresh made tortillas? If so, you'll understand. If not, homemade are so much better than any store bought. I can't even begin to explain.

Like all things homemade, they require a little trial and error. At least this is my experience. My first attempt was dry and cake like but had the right flavor. My second was more like a tortilla pancake. Too thick to even fold. I was in search of a thin and doughy tortilla. Something that would melt in my mouth. With a little tweaking I finally found something that more than works. My secret? I use leftover drippings from bacon in place of regular lard.

Flour Tortillas
makes 12 six inch tortillas

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup lard (I like to use chilled bacon grease)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup warm water

Special equipment: pastry blender, six to ten inch long wooden dowel (found in hardware stores), rolling pin or tortilla press.

Preparation

Stir together flour with salt in a bowl, then cut in lard with a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles course meal. Drizzle vegetable oil over mixture and stir in warm water until dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 4 minutes, dusting hands occasionally with flour if dough is sticky.

Form dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest 1 hour. Heat a dry well-seasoned cast-iron comal, regular griddle, or skillet over moderately low heat until hot. Cut dough into 12 equal pieces and form into balls.

Roll out ball of dough one at a time. Use just enough flour to keep tortilla from sticking to the press or dowel. Don't try the assembly line method here or you'll be re pressing each tortilla. Like most dough, the tortillas shrink up after pressed if allowed to sit. Keep the remaining dough covered with plastic wrap while working. Roll out each ball into a 6 to 7 inch round, maintaining an even thinness. Place pressed tortilla on skillet and cook 1 minute on each side or until tortilla begins to brown. As one tortilla is cooking press another.

Tortilla will bubble and puff, and bottom will be browned in spots. Once browned flip tortilla and cook second side in same way, moving tortilla around to compensate for any hot spots. Transfer to a kitchen towel. Stack and cover tortillas once cooked. Tortillas can be made ahead of time, be sure to warm them before eating.

cocktail of the week - casa noble tequila

It's been a crazy week and not likely to let up for at least a few weeks. My remedy? A tequila to sip. Not officially a cocktail I realize, it's much more simple than a cocktail. One that requires no ice, mixer, lime, shaking or salt. All you really need is the vessel. How's that for simple?

One of my favorite tequilas is from Casa Noble Tequila Company. A tequila house that's been distilling tequila for over 200 years. And get this all their blue agave plants are 100% USDA organic. So far I have only tried the Crystal but am looking forward to sampling the reposado in the very near future.

jenny wilson - like a fading rainbow

Jevan has been reminding me for a few weeks to watch this video. I'm not great at taking time to watch videos and he knows that. Hence the reminding. It's not that I don't trust his recommendations, he's usually spot on when it comes to finding things that would be to my liking. My thoughts are, it's a video, what's so special? I'll check it out when I get a few minutes, if I remember.

As the video begins, it has everything to me that embodies the South. In fact, it easily could have been filmed outside the front door of the house I grew up in. The grey-blue skies just before dusk, grassy fields at the end of summer and a soulful voice singing the woes of a life without. All remind me of the South. Then the dancing begins. There is nothing Southern about these moves. It could only be that of a Swede. Jenny Wilson to be exact.

If you need instant gratification, watch the Youtube version above. If you're really interested, you can watch the widescreen version that you will have to download if you're not on a mac. I highly recommend the latter, because the colors are more than gorgeous.

wide open spaces - giveaway

Some time ago I came across the blog, Wide Open Spaces. I'm not sure who lead me there, I'm thinking it was from my cousin Jora, either way, I've been a regular reader ever since.

Emily has her first ever give away, and a great one at that. A pair of Current Elliot jeans. If you are interested in entering, because the chances of me actually winning are rare, head over here. While you are there, be sure to check out the rest of her lovely blog.