Tag Archives: recipe

guest post: spring vegetable soup

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Hey dearies, happy Monday!

I’m so lucky to have a handful of fabulous guest bloggers popping in throughout the week while I’m getting ready for Mighty Swell. To kick things off, here’s Libby, from one of my favorite daily reads, pinkshirtsandcarwrecks. Her veggie soup recipe is just the thing to get us all back to healthy, seasonal eating after a weekend full of Cadbury eggs and jelly beans. Don’t tell me I’m the only one with a sugar hangover! 

xo, Meghan

Hello everybody! I’m Libby from pinkshirtsandcarwrecks and am honored to help Meghan out while she gears up for Mighty Swell! I thought since spring is teasing us I’d help coax it along by making a fresh spring vegetable soup. Creamy Celery Soup is delicious and delicious, not to mention healthy! My version is adapted from this recipe from Martha Stewart. Here’s how to make it.
1. Wash and chop these vegetables: 1 bag/bunch of celery, a few small red potatoes (peeled), one large red onion, three cloves of garlic and one bunch of white asparagus (chop off bottoms – these are too stringy, even when blended in the soup!).
2. Melt a knob of butter in a large pot/4-quart saucepan over medium heat and add vegetables. Season with salt and pepper and cook until soft. These veggies smell so wonderful cooking! I added asparagus in because it’s in season right now, but you don’t have to if you don’t want. You can add more potato, too, if you like.
3. Add six cups chicken or vegetable stock (or water, but stock makes it more flavorful) to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat back down to medium and simmer (uncovered) until veggies are very tender—fork test them in 20 minutes.
4. Now the fun part! Puree the soup until smooth using your immersion blender (I love this handy kitchen tool! It makes this into a one pot meal. You can pick a cheap immersion blender up at Target—or even Walgreens!—for under $20). Add juice from half a lemon, re-season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. You can also use a regular blender, but you’ll have to work in batches and do more dishes. Read Martha’s recipe for tips on this step if you’re using a stand alone blender.
6. If you still have a few celery leaves they look pretty for garnish. I highly recommend serving this soup with some toasted slices of fresh baked baguette (I broiled them on a cookie sheet in the oven). I like them plain with butter, but you could rub them with a little garlic and olive oil before toasting—they make the best accompaniment to this spring vegetable soup. The whole thing takes less than an hour and it’s a such a treat for lunch or a light dinner or first course. As Julia Child would say, bon appétit!
In addition to her awesome blog, Libby also runs not one, but two Etsy shops, one for her vintage finds and another featuring her handmade creations. Check ‘em out!

cover girl

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Hello, dears!

The April issue of METRO magazine arrived at our office today and a vintage dress from my inventory is featured on the cover!

You could throw any old thing on that cover girl though and she’d look cute-as-a-freakin’-button. This summer-ready frock, along with a zillion* others needing good homes, will be up for grabs at Mighty Swell’s upcoming Spring Has Sprung event. You know. In case you you were wondering.

Well, I’m off to catch up on some housework and then get going on making this divine-looking dessert. (Thanks for the Bon Appetit subscription, Marmee!) Wish me luck!

xo,

Meghan

*Small exaggeration.

how to: roast root veggies

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Happy Tuesday, lovelies!

Today’s how-to pertains to roasted root veggies. Also known as, vegetables that taste like candy and are addictive as crack. The directions below are adapted from Yellow Rose Recipes, an (unfortunately) out-of-print cookbook that gets a ton of use in my kitchen. Anyway, this is a comforting winter side that’s easy-to-make, all-around delicious and healthy.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

♥ 3 medium carrots

♥ 1 yam

♥ 2 medium yukon gold potatoes

♥ 1 parsnip

♥ 1 beet

[You can mix up what root veggies you want to include—try red potatoes, golden beets, rutabagas and turnips...]

♥ 1-2 T. olive oil

♥ 2 T. tamari or soy sauce

♥ 1-2 T. maple syrup

♥ 3-4 cloves of garlic, pressed or chopped

♥ 1 t. dried thyme

♥ 1/2 t. rosemary, crushed

♥ 1/2 t. dill

♥ 1/2 t. salt

♥ 1/2 t. pepper

HOW TO MAKE

♥ Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Peel yer veggies and chip-chop them into 3/4-1-inch pieces.

♥ In a large bowl, whisk together the rest of the ingredients.

♥ Add the roots and toss.

♥ Add veggies to a lightly sprayed 9-by-13 inch baking dish or roasting pan.

♥ Roast for 20 minutes, remove from  oven, toss around with a wooden spoon, and put back in oven for 20-30 more minutes. Your kitchen’s going to smell delicious!

♥ Remove and serve, adding more salt and pepper if necessary.

Roasted roots go well with pretty much anything, and I like to think they taste even better the next day. Try piling a scoop or two over some arugula and top with goat cheese for a super veggie-licious lunch. Yum!

xo,

Meghan

 

guest post: making whoopie (pies) with lisa

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Whoa, Friday! It’s nice to see you!

If you’re at all like me, by the time the end of the week rolls around, the prospect of spending some leisurely hours in the kitchen sounds divine. Trying a new recipe or two, slow roasting some meat, simmering a big batch of chili—the weekend’s a great time to just mess around, no rushing necessary. If I wasn’t so busy with this, I’d love to spend a chill afternoon, baking up a batch of these. I hope you all have wonderful Fridays!

xo,

Meghan

Making Whoopie (Pies), With Making Electricity’s Lisa

Hello wonderful readers! This is Lisa from Making Electricity and I am so happy to be blogging for Meghan while she is working her tush off to get ready for Mighty Swell—I’ll be bright and early that Saturday morning and I hope to meet some of you local ladies there!

I know that fall has come and gone, but I am still in the thick of my love affair with pumpkin-centric foods. With holiday party season upon us, I thought I would share a recipe for some delicious treats that are super easy to make—perfect for your own party or to bring as a hostess gift—as an extra perk, your home will be warm, cozy and smell like pumpkin cake when you are done make these.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Source: Baked: New Frontiers in Baking

♥ For the Whoopie Pies ♥

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup canola or vegetable oil
3 cups chilled pumpkin puree (canned pumpkin)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

♥ For the Maple-Cream Cheese Filling ♥
3 cups powdered sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
4 ounces (½ cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

♥ How to Make ♥

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger and nutmeg. Set aside.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, the dark brown sugar, and the oil together. Add the pumpkin puree and whisk to combine thoroughly. Add the eggs and vanilla and whisk until combined. Gradually add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture and whisk until completely combined.

4. Use a small cookie scoop or a large spoon to drop a rounded, heaping tablespoon of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart.

5. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, making sure that the cookies are just starting to crack on top and a toothpick inserted into the center of a cookie comes out clean. The cookies should be firm when touched. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on a cooling rack.

6. To make the filling, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth with no visible lumps, about 3 minutes. Add the cream cheese and beat until smooth and combined, about 2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar a little at a time, then add the maple syrup and vanilla and beat until smooth.

7. To assemble the pies: Turn half of the cooled cookies upside down. Pipe or spoon the filling (about a tablespoon) onto that half. Place another cookie, flat side down, on top of the filling. Press down slightly so that the filling spread to the edges of the cookie. Repeat until all the cookies are used. Put the whoopie pies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm before serving.

And, since this is High Plains Thrifter, after all, I thought I’d also share this gorgeous vintage Pyrex casserole dish (with carrier) that I scored at my favorite Salvation Army for 99 cents!

Yummy desserts and beautiful kitchenware—life doesn’t get much better in my opinion. Have a fabulous holiday season, readers!

Best best,

Lisa

how to: make pineapple upside-down cake

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Hello, hello!

So, for last week’s nacho night, I decided to earn extra hostess-y credit and make dessert. Since I was already turning the oven and stove on for the nachos, I figured, what the hell? Let’s get sweaty and then we’ll get full.

I’ve been wanting to try a recipe out of this little, circa 1963 cookbook, found at a thrift up in Cambridge, Minnesota.

It’s hard to swing a spatula in a thrift-store book section without whacking a Better Homes & Gardens cookbook. They’re everywhere, and usually pretty cheap!

Anyway, back to the dessert. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is sooooo yummy and as I found, easy to make. (It’s filed in the kids-can-make-it section of the cookbook, that’s how simple it is!) I love how this beauty basically frosts itself! Here’s how to do it…

You’ll Need

3 T. butter

1/2 c. brown sugar

4 canned pineapple slices (save pineapple juice from can, too!)

7 maraschino cherries

1 box of yellow cake mix

How To

Step 1: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Melt butter and pour into round, oven-safe cake dish. Blend in sugar with melted butter, pat out evenly.

Step 2: Place one canned pineapple slice in the center, and arrange three halved slices and the cherries around the whole slice. This is the “frosting.”

Step 3: Prepare batter according to package directions, but instead of using water, use pineapple juice (add water if there’s not enough). Pour batter over fruit.

Step 4: Bake 45 minutes. Cool in pan on rack for 10 minutes. Turn upside down on big serving plate. Cut and serve warm, ideally with vanilla ice cream.

Recipe found in “So-Good Meals,” part of the Better Homes & Gardens Creative Cooking Library.

If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it goes!

xo,

Meghan

garage sale outfit

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I scored a handful of dresses at the Bryn Mawr Festival of Garage Sales a few weeks back. Most will eventually wind up on Etsy, but this is one I’m a keepin’ for myself. Any dress with pockets is A-OK with me, plus I love the coconut shell buttons at the shoulder. A dress, boots and a bun is pretty much my go-to look for work when I’m running late, as I was the day these were taken. Three steps and I’m out the door. Easy peasy.

Dress: Sears, found at garage sale, $4

Boots: $5, garage sale

Silver & stone cuff: Handmade by my aunt in 1970s

Other silver bracelets: I’ve had since I was a wee one

Silver & opal ring: $15, bought at a jewelry shop in Manitou Springs, Colorado in 2000

Hair bow: Red Velvet Art

Bubble Up soda: Bobby & Steve’s on Washington Avenue

Photo credit: Rachel Anderson

Today was simply gorgeous, wasn’t it? I’m looking forward to a night of unadulterated domesticity. Already since work I’ve busted out a strawberry rhubarb custard pie for my newish neighbors across the street. I’m not the most skilled baker by any means, and this was my very first attempt at a lattice crust. I think it turned out OK…

Also on night’s agenda: cooking up a simple supper of  shrimp, rice and veg and then sewing some, writing some and reading some.

Until next time,

Meghan

backpack attack

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Hey thrifty people!

Spring’s put a fresh pep in my step, and I’ve been taking that energy and started strolling my lil self to work a few days a week. Sure it takes an hour, but it’s also really fun. I listen to music, notice new things in my neighborhood (hello yard roosters!) and arrive at work with a healthy dose of exercise under my belt. Win-win-win, in my eyes!

The only not fun part of the whole arrangement is that I sorta hate my backpack. I feel like a high-school freshman fashion don’t every time I wear it. It has way, way, way too many pockets and it’s a very boring black. Which of course, led me to ask: Do cute backpacks exist? Can you look good with a pack strapped to your back?

It seems like answers to both questions is YES.

I’m drawn to the most simple styles, like these two rucksack-like packs.

source

source

This one from Modcloth is right on in terms of simplicity and it’s pretty cool that it’s made from 100-percent recycled cotton. But, I think it’d be too small to tote everything I need for the day (i.e. laptop, lunch, change of clothes, etc.).

This vintage Boy Scout ditty is also simple and rucksack-y, but again, perhaps too small? I’m not digging the $60 price tag either. There has to be a cheaper similar option found at the surplus store, right?

And last but not least,  this colorful knapsack by local knitwear designer Annie Larson is so charming, but for $130, I could buy myself a new bike and ride to work.  It is undoubtedly awesome though. Good thing lusting is free.

Anyway, I’m going to keep my eyes peeled thrifting this weekend, and maybe hit up an army surplus store to see what affordable options they have. Do you have any ideas of where to look?

I hope your Cinco de Mayo has treated you all well! I’m trying out a new recipe for nacho night, from a new-to-me food blog, Real Mom Kitchen. I’m skeptical of heated cream cheese, but my fingers are crossed it turns out. Last week’s experiment turned out awesome, but you never know. Even if the food sucks, I’m guaranteed a night full of giggles. Cannot wait!!

Hasta luego, lovelies!

Meghan

P.S. Have you entered the giveaway yet? You have until Thursday night, so hop to it!

thrift store review: animal ark thrift store

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Animal Ark Thrift Store

I know, I know, a thrift store in St. Paul? Where the hell is that?? Typically the only things that can get me over that way is a visit with my Auntie Sharyn who lives in Lowertown or a hot date with my honey at Mancini’s. This thrift however, has entered into that good company, quickly becoming something else worth crossing the river for. Because, you see, this is a big thrift store that can house some pretty fantastic finds.

Situated at the top of a long hill in the adorably named neighborhood of Swede Hollow, the biggest strength of this place lies in the housewares section. If you’re looking to outfit a kitchen, top to bottom, with mostly vintage or quality used stuff, this is where I’d send you. (Big brother are you reading?? Get a colander already dude!) The entire left side of the store is essentially just household goods. Pass by the fancy sets of china displayed out front, there are plenty of deals to be had once you start digging an aisle or two back. There’s a lot to look at, so take your time. Some things you can reliably find here: an assortment of old salt and pepper sets, decanters, beautiful cake stands, vintage stemware, kitschy cookbooks and service items, all reasonably priced.

Note: The staff works the Internet to research prices, especially on the china and dishes. It’s not unusual to stumble across some pieces that are marked pretty high—whole sets of china for $150, for example—with the eBay summary taped to the shelf underneath.

Moving on…I can’t say I know very much about vinyl, but they sure seem to have a lot, and every record is $1. The stacks are stashed in the back room, which also has all the men’s clothes, lighting, gardening stuff, some furniture and electronics, all of which they have a healthy selection of.

That's a lot of records.

 

In terms of clothes, you’ll have to go often to score anything remarkable. Some of my favorite things I’ve picked up here wardrobe-wise are some leather Brazilian-made clogs and this sporty Lee denim jacket I’m in love with. You can rely on variety of costume-y, grandma-like jewelry—think lots of beads, clip-on earrings, cuff bracelets, fake gold, belt buckles, etc. Scarves and hankies are also had aplenty.

The furniture displayed is in good shape with inoffensive, serviceable designs. I’d say it’s priced fairly, but not cheaply. A woman working there mentioned a whole ‘nother space adjacent to the shop, that’s chockful of furniture that you can get escorted to and browse, if furniture is what you’re seeking. Of course she told me this on my way out the door, so I can’t tell you first-hand what’s back over there. Good to know, though, right?

Sale-wise, every time I’ve visited, art’s been 50 percent off. While the majority consists of cheesy prints, I’ve found some charming crewel and cross-stitched pieces as well as some frames that would be worth shelling out a buck or two for. All brown dishes (covered crocks and company) always seem to be 50 percent off, too. I haven’t noticed across-the-board discounts on clothing, but they do put stuff on sale when the seasons change.

The service here is the only things I can complain about, because, it wasn’t the best the last time I was there. The lady was curt, and honest to goodness, I felt like I ruined her entire morning by asking her to ring me up. She didn’t include part of my purchase, meaning she had to run my card twice. I might as well have kicked her in the shins, it was that painful for her. Everyone has tough days, but c’mon…be nice! She was a volunteer, too, which made her sour ‘tude even more inexplicable. It’s volunteer work, not work work. Be pumped!

Where does the money raised here go? According to Animal Ark’s website, the shop generates approximately $60,000 a year for the shelter, the animals and their care. As Minnesota’s largest no-kill shelter, Animal Ark serves more than 1,000 homeless animals every year in their Hastings shelter and through their network of foster homes. The fact that the “rabbits are kept in a luxury bunny suite that includes all the amenities a house rabbit deserves,” makes my heart happy. Bunny suites for the house rabbits—for cute’s sake! If you’re considering adopting a dog or cat (or rabbit, I suppose), I dare you spend a few minutes on their site and not fall head-over-heels in love with one of the many eligible furballs. 

Floppy ears like Coco's kill me.

To me, they’re a worthy organization and I’m 100-percent content to have my thrifting dollars support their mission.

Here are some of my favorite finds from this shop:

Framed Crewel Embroidery Scene, $1

 

Vintage leather clogs, $3

Floral Limoge Platter, $1 and Cute '50s Tangerine Serving Dish, $5

Go here to find: Dishes, kitchen utensils, vintage sheets, jewelry, pet supplies, kitschy art, furniture (dining tables, especially)

Selection/Variety: ♥ ♥ ♥

Quality: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Pricing: ♥ ♥ ♥

Organization: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Customer service: ♥ ♥

Cleanliness: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Do they take credit cards? Yep! (They also sell pet licenses for St. Paul pooches and kitty cats.)

While you’re there: Um, well, let me preface this by saying I know next to nothing about St. Paul, BUT, when Mary and I were there last Saturday, we stopped at Swede Hollow Cafe and dang, everything looked awesome. Half the place was digging into caramel rolls the size of a baby’s head, and they also had a decent sammy selection. I had a cubano (fancy term for coffee with milk and brown sugar–news to me, too) and it was sufficiently hot, sugary and caffeinated.

Where it is: 809 E. 7th Street, St. Paul

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Contact: 651.772.8983, www.animalarkshelter.org

I’ve been a bad blogger, and for that, I am sorry. I had a big presentation at work this morning, and it’s been taking up a lot of energy. Other things that have been keeping me busy? Early a.m. yoga at the Guthrie, seeing these two bands last night at First Avenue, eating obscene amounts of soul food from this place, research disguised as shopping for the June issue of METRO magazine and as usual, dog walking, chores and a healthy dose of goofing off.

Tonight’s plans revolve around putting away some nachos (and a Pacifico or two) with a couple delightful ladies, a weekly tradition I’m fairly obsessed with.  I’m trying a shrimp nacho recipe—I could eat both nachos and shrimps everyday of my life and be happy, but I’m not 100-percent sure I’ll love them together.  [Update: I totally did! These turned out super yummy.] If I can manage to avoid splashing any more pineapple juice onto my just-washed bangs like I did a minute ago, we should be in OK shape. Back to the kitchen I go…

xoxo,

Meghan

crepe making, recipe & tips

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Happy Saturday!

After a quick trip to the St. Paul Goodwill (found a beautiful, short-sleeved ’50s sweater dress) and Cheapo (happy Record Store Day!), I spent the afternoon prepping for tomorrow’s clothing swap.  I tried to alternate sigh-inducing chores (sweeping, laundry, more laundry) with enjoyable, smile-making ones. Making crepes most definitely puts a smile on my face.

I got this recipe in Madame Gasiorkiewicz’s French class. I think I was in seventh grade? Somehow, this little 4 x6 card has stuck with me for some 14 or so years, probably because the recipe is super easy & reliably awesome. Soooo, I thought I’d share it with you guys. Like my sophisticated 12-year-old handwriting?

Batter up!

Careful not to get the pan too hot, or you’ll end up with Cajun-style crepes. This one looks just right.

Layering wax paper in between each crepe keeps them from sticking together, and I also think the paper soaks up some of the extra oil. These crepes freeze superbly layered this way. Just seal them in a Ziploc bag, pop them in the freezer and bam, crepes for a rainy day, done.

Finn likes to check in to see how it’s going what I’ve dropped on the floor.

Tomorrow, I’m going to stuff a pan-full with this creamy bacon-mushroom filling. Nom. Some will remain meatless & unstuffed, so they can be spread with this magical stuff. Yesssss.

source.

Let me know if you give Madame G’s recipe a try! I’m heading back to the kitchen to juice a boatload of limes for homemade Bloody Mary mix. Breakfast bevvies, bacon-y crepes, lovely ladies AND exchanging unwanted clothes for new stuff? Sounds like a pretty perfect Sunday morning to me. Until next time…

xoxo,

Meghan