Suzy-Homemaker

If you have ever visited San Francisco, you’ll understand why I feel so blessed to have grown-up in an area with such rich diversity. While we’re suffering through the coldest summer on record in a bunch of years, Mother Nature has ‘forced’ us to do other stuff when we’d more likely be out waterskiing and wakeboarding this time of year. Today’s outing was a trip to the San Francisco Ferry Building to have lunch with a friend. Five years ago, the Ferry Plaza was an area where you’d see no one for miles on a weekend but now, the City has rejuvenated the entire area into a uber-hip gourmet marketplace, outdoor Farmer’s Market and Arts & Craft Market that rivals Portland’s Saturday Market. Added to the bayfront views are restaurants and sidewalk cafes making it difficult to decide what to eat.

The Ferry Plaza shops are the kind of place that a food whore like me just dies over. I could see myself going broke hawking some sort of specialty food in a place like this (and probably spending more than I could ever make before leaving!)

How on earth does one even consider ruining this still life for a Caprese Salad?

The shopkeepers have the best names for their shops!

This place has become nationally famous for their cured meats.

Everywhere you look there is still life.

These hydrangeas were as big as my head.

So if you’re in San Francisco 1) Make sure you hit the Ferry Plaza and 2) Let me know and I’ll tell you all about all kinds of places to go and see that aren’t on the tourist maps and won’t be seen on one of those double-decker buses. A couple of hints: We call San Francisco ‘The City’ not not ‘San Fran’, ‘S’-'F’ and [gosh forbid] NOT  ‘Frisco’. Hope to see you soon.

I’m thinking about doing a giveaway.

What should it be? I need some help.

I can giveway an outfit for a child.

I can giveaway lovely cookware.

I can giveaway sewing supplies or fabric.

What do you think?  I need your suggestions.  What would YOU want to win?

Your chances are good since hardly anyone reads this babble of mine.

Okay, off to post a recipe.

At the beginning of this year I promised to blog more.  Etsy less, blog more.

Well that was a joke. I thought that it would be easier to blog instead of take sewing orders because I can blog in my free time and without a set deadline. The key words  here would be ‘free time’ — I don’t have near enough. I actually thought that the first of the year would bring a reduction in work for me in my day job (no, blogging isn’t making me millions of dollars like the Pioneer Woman) I need the day job to support my fabric, spice, pattern, home decor-buying habits but was sort of looking forward to a little less of a committment to something that isn’t really my passion. (I do corporate communications…not very inspiring at the moment.) Anyhow, I didn’t decrease in workload, my Etsy shop got so popular I pissed a bunch of people off by being late with orders and I managed to be blessed with another grandchild, more work, and just a lot of LIFE.

Here I am promising to do better. Promising to keep up the blog and be a better Suzy-Homemaker. I need a deadline.

As an icebreaker, I thought I’d share a few things I’ve been up to while not blogging.

After our family vacation to Palm Springs where my grandchildren got to finally meet my Mom…

And their Aunt Nancy (my younger sister)

Sparkles and French Manicure: My sister will always trump me in fashion.

L-R: Mister, Felicia, Bailey, Brody, Kyle, S-H

Here we are in our homemade family vacation commemorative t-shirts; a fun project that I highly recommend. I had purchased a Yudu for Mister to use for his hot rod shop t-shirts and he was kind enough to let me design a vacation logo and print up shirts for us all.

I was nervous about having little ones around the boat but it turns out they love it so much there’s never a battle about shoes or life jackets just a lot of happy (and sleeping) faces.

I can assure you this is a rare moment when 'Little Man' isn't propped up and sound asleep. The minute the boat started up, he was out for the count.

My girl Bailey was a champ about 'the rules'.

Everyone got to do what they love.

Bailey had endless bubbles…

Brody had hours of gazing in wonderment at every leaf on the tree and bird in the sky…

My son and daughter-in-law wakeboarded, went fishing and celebrated their anniversary…

 

Grandma skied (no pictures though since self portraiture and waterskiing don’t go well) and drove my boat everywhere possible.

I admit it. I'm a vehicle and vessel whore. I love this boat and I think it is the hottest vessel on any lake. By ownership, I am cool.

 Grandpa even got to go to a car show with all of us in tow (wearing our Speedshop t-shirts and doing our best to be company marketeers)

This is not the best shot but it's the only one that shows a glimpse of our marketing efforts.

 Even some not-so patient waiting for the wind to die down so we could go out on the boat again

So along with the regular everyday living stuff, this is what’s been going on around here.

Peace-out for now (couldn’t resist)

I have several muses that keep me sewing but a couple of them are extra special to me. I’ve been blessed this last week to spend each and every day with them (they unfortunately live in a different [less expensive] state than I do). This post is a bout of shameless bragging and don’t kid yourself, you want to see what my family looks like…I know it.

The happy family: My son Kyle, his wife Felicia and my grandkids Brody and Bailey-Lynne.

Bailey-Lynn watching the ducks.

My son is getting quite accomplished with my camera; I thought the lighting was magic with this shot of Bailey.

Of course he barfed right before this shot.

Looking like we might have a red head on our hands…watch out.

Such concern about me taking too many pictures!

Those lips and lashes…add the dimples and I’m putty.

A couple more and then I’m headed to bed but you’ll see more of my fam, they’re around for another few days.

The next Vanna White

Suzy-Homemaker Swimsuit cover-up.

My guy Brody prepares for some time poolside.

Turns out when you're 18 months old you can spend hours like this!

Alright, that’s enough for now; I’ll post more later (Because vacation’s only half over and I have nearly 300 photos).

If I haven’t said it before, I LOVE America’s Test Kitchen.

I love the shows on PBS (America’s Test Kitchen & Cook’s County), the many magazines (Cooks Illustrated, Cooks Country) and the cookbooks! Oh the cookbooks; I read them like bibles.

I want everyone on the TV shows to move in with me.

Imagine my excitement when I heard that ATK (as I refer it it) would be releasing a cooking program for Nintendo DS? Well, my Nintendo DS has rescued me on many a long plane flight and lonely hotel room and all I could think was “I can take my Nintendo into the kitchen?” Try and stop me from racing to Toys R Us to get that little cartridge of joy.

Things being what they are, I didn’t get a chance to actually use my new ‘game’ until tonight when I was, yet again, overcome with excitement when I saw that the ATK “Let’s Get Cooking” disc included my absolute favorite hummus recipe.

Well, what I thought was my favorite hummus recipe wasn’t my favorite at all. AND where was Christopher Kimball’s voice chiming in with helpful hints along the way? Most importantly, the key processes that make the ATK “Restaurant-Style Hummus” recipe, aren’t included. So I ask: Is this really ATK recipes? [I'll have to tweet Chris Kimball and ask...yes, I also stalk ATK online   ]

That's me, doing all the hard work.

Well, I soon realized that the recipe is just called “Hummus” not “Restaurant-Syle Creamy Hummus” like in the book. Not an adequate replacement by any means. I’ll have to try a couple more of the recipes to see if it’s helpful and then determine if I keep the toy or give it to a friend who’s less coordinated in the kitchen than me. I’ll keep you posted on my progress in case you’re thinking of purchasing.

UPDATE: Proof that I’m on the hunt for an answer below:

Thomas Keller of French Laundry fame.

I am going to make this over the weekend and put on Mister’s steak and my Mahi Mahi with a side of parmesan risotto and some grilled asparagus. I can think of a million things to use it for but Keller says “This tapenade is excellent with whitefish or with crudites or as the basis for a vinaigrette.  Oh, I’m definitely making salad dressing with it too.

3 Tablespoon canola oil

2 Cups chopped red onions

1 Salt-packed or oil packed anchovy

1/4 Cup of whole milk

1 Cup (4 ounces) pitted Kalamata olives, rinsed and drained

1 Teaspoon  capers, rinsed and drained

1 Medium garlic clove

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Heat the canola oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the onions, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook slowly, adjusting the heat as necessary to keep the onions from coloring, for about 30 minutes, until very soft. Transfer to a blender. Meanwhile, soak the anchovy in the milk for 30 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Add the anchovy, olives, capers, garlic and olive oil to the blender and blend, scraping down the sides as necessary, to a coarse puree.

Refrigerate in a covered container for up to 1 week.

I’ll take pictures of mine, will you take pictures of yours?

How sweet of Heather at Olive and Ollie to nominate me for a Sunshine award! Afterall, sunshine happens to be one of my favorite things! Please check out and Olive and Ollie Etsy store for some of the most adorable kids clothes.

Here’s who I nominate in return:

Brilynn Beads

Just Something I Made

Sew4Home

MODKID Boutique

Balancing Beauty and Bedlam

Fun Fabulous Finds

Mairuru

The Hen House

Not So Idle Hands

Loft 152

…I pass the torch onto you.
Along with the award, comes a few responsibilities and they are:
1) Put the logo on your blog or within your post
2) Pass the award to 12-well-deserving bloggers
3)Link the nominees within your post
4)Share the news by leaving a comment on their blog
5)Link to the person from whom you received the award

Share the Love!

I woke up on Sunday a little late and tired from the two hour drive home the night before. I had scheduled to head to my sister’s  new house to help her decorate, so off I went. I wasn’t two blocks from my sister’s place and I get a text (which I pulled over to read) from Mrs. Fisher (wife to Chef Todd) saying that she’s got me a ticket for the Grand Tasting event. Total freak-out occurs. I run into my sister’s house, give her a five minute explanation, rush through bedrooms and hallways assigning colors and wall covering ideas and run to my car. (If you’re reading this Jill, I feel TERRIBLE, sort of.) This wasn’t going to be your ordinary drive-like-a-bat-outta-hell to get somewhere on time; it was raining cats and dogs and winds were 40-50 miles an hour. Due to the inclement weather and being most certain that the parking lawn would be a bog by the time I got there, I drove my SUV — the speed limit. Wasn’t hard keep the pace since I encountered multiple accidents and more than one jerk driving like a clown. The drive took nearly twice as long as it should have but I got there!

Now before I go further, I want to point out that Mrs. Fisher not only got me a ticket, she paid for it. I had barely met her the day before (she was one of our fireplace pals)  and she had to have been swamped with events and meet-n-greets with her celebrity husband.I told her that I would pay her back but nonetheless she went ahead and took care of things without even knowing me! My faith in humanity is totally restored with such a random act of kindness!

Much like the day before, I walked in the tent and was immediately faced with a huge celebrity – actually two huge celebrities. (I might mention at this point that I’m by myself; carrying a purse full of camera equipment and notebooks; I’ve been handed a wine glass, I look rediculous having run through a mud puddle obstacle course in 30 mile an hour winds and driving rain. Who am I staring at?  Michael Chiarello and Hubert Keller. Shit. Get the camera, ask someone to not only hold it but USE it…scary if you’re not my family who I can beat with a stick if you drop it. Ask Chef Chiarello if he minds and oh can you have Keller sit in too? (Please ignore the people asking you to autograph their $50 cookbooks and pay attention to the crazy half-drowned wench with a camera)

This guy is handsome and very charismatic.

In my wildest dreams I wouldn't have imagined being in this picture.

After that encounter I had to have some wine. What to choose??? The wineries seemed countless and they were pouring their best offerings. Okay, Far Niente it is – Chardonnay with a cube of some sort of the most tender beef that is dipped equally in a spicey honey sauce and a chipoltle mustard sauce – I think.

This is just a very small view of the enormous multi-tent set-up.

After Far Niente I hit Rombauer for a sip of their well-known Chardonnay and a taste of two Cabs that were lovely.

Next year I'm going to see about getting a press pass...just wait!

These prep chefs were working like crazy (note the driving rain outside)

On to Chef Phan from The Slanted Door who served a coconut infused white fish with peanuts, cilantro and rice noodles. Thought to myself “that sounds good” Oh my, it was REALLY good; a little citrus and little spice, super delish. Then my new best friend Michael Chiarello’s grilled octopus on a skewer with a tiny grilled potato and onion, more delish. More wine, more food, blah blah, blah…Oh, look! it’s Richard Reddington of Yountville, CA ‘Redd’ but with credentials that span Postrio to Auberge du Soleil with a stint at L’Arpege.

I forget how old this prociutto was but it was something special.

From San Francisco to Paris Chef O'Toole has worked the line and managed cuisine from Masa's to Quince and now whips up excellence at Bardessono in Yountville.

As I left the tent I realized I should probably eat something substantial and drink a few glasses of water before hitting the winding coastal and mountain roads (still storming by the way) for the trek home. Off to Inn at Spanish Bay (what the heck, it worked the day before!) As I sit in Roy’s going through my notes and photos I hear a very distinctive voice speaking to his children…could it be? Wolfgang Puck!! Okay, so I chickened out and didn’t ask for a photo; his kids were acting up and his wife and Nanny were ready to leave. But I swear, it’s true. I continued to enjoy my snack and ice water while chatting with the sommelier for the entire event (who sat down next to me and seemed ready to chat) - I know, the networking never ends.  Well, that’s it for the trip. No more celebrities, no more food…back to home. I’ll share some recipes in the coming days from the top chefs.

Three beautiful things: Pebble Beach, California; Food; Wine.

This makes it look like a gorgeous day when in reality this was about a 20 minute respite in an awful storm that is evident in my crappy hair in the following pictures.

I could write forever about the unbelievable famous chefs who shook my hand and even posed for pictures with me but then I wouldn’t be able to write about the amazing food they created and yet again no time to tell about the world class wineries sharing AMAZING grape juice.

I’ll start with a quick story.

On a plane to DC – instead of Miami – to celebrate my dearest friend’s wedding shower instead of attending the South Beach Food and Wine Festival.

Guy sits next to me yacking on the phone about the South Beach Festival, assigning this chef to that and another menu to another venue. I strike up a conversation about missing the festival and he tells me I’m crazy to go to South Beach and that I should be going to Pebble Beach instead. He says: “They have Paula Deen and we have Thomas Keller…”  Hmmm (I say)…tell me more!  The entire flight was consumed with me picking his brain about food and wine and just general foodie talk. It was the fastest flight across the country I’ve ever taken – turns out this guy is the founder of the festival and booked his flight last minute and 1st class was full -my lucky day) Two months later I realized the day had arrived and I hadn’t purchased tickets, hadn’t booked a hotel and wasn’t sure if it was worth the two-hour drive without a guarantee we’d be able to do anything – oh and it was already 11:00am and storming.

I should say that I am not a big celebrity freaker-outer…except when it comes to food and wine – I turned to jello when I marched into The Inn at Spanish Bay and who is standing smack in front of me? Tyler Florence! The enormous smile on my otherwise reserved (non-wrinkle exposing) face should give you an idea of how I was feeling.

If you think he looks sweet here..that's because HE IS!! He actually hugged me!

As I write this post my sister is sending me Instant Messages telling me she’s looking at a picture of me making out with Tyler Florence to which I tell her I gladly would have made out with Tyler but the awkward moment with Mister standing there with the camera could have been… well, strange in the least. But let’s be clear: Tyler you can lay a smooch on me anytime. The fact that we couldn’t get in to the Grand Tasting and that evening’s events were out of my price range and also sold out wasn’t daunting in the least when greeted by Chef Florence. We took a seat by the outdoor firepits and I told Mister to sit back and we’d just watch and see what happens. And it happened. Ming Tsei brushed past us, dropping his sportcoat and chef’s coat on the chair next to me to do some quick promotional filming on the 18th green, and the celebrity sightings continued.

Busy Ming Tsai doing some weird fake putting on the 18th green with a bottle of wine.

This is before the mob of culinary elite showed up - two of six firepits.

Turns out EVERYONE who is anyone in the culinary world was hanging out where we were and we had front row seats. Snacks and Martinis with three blue cheese stuffed olives (yummy), a world famous view of Carmel’s Spanish Bay and shortly the sunset bagpiper made his appearance.

As we prepared to go eat dinner at Roy’s (Yes, famed chef Roy Yamaguchi was in the house) a couple of chefs came up to speak with a man who I was chatting with – the cutest nicest woman who actually struck up a conversation with ME, introduced herself (which immediately turned on the “Oh my gosh it’s you, lightbulb” ) and started just chatting about this and that and what desserts she made for the Tribute to Jaques Pepin dinner ($1.500 ticket price but Charlie Trotter, Thomas Keller, Ming Tsei and others were cooking – I’m told it was to die for.) Sherry Yard, pastry chef to the Wolfgang Puck empire and author of one of my favorites The Secrets of Baking – Simple techniques for sophisticated desserts.

I bet her cheeks get pinched a lot, she is such a doll! Note the continued wind-hair and wrinkle inducing smiles.

So off to Roy’s for a phenomenal (albeit noisey) dinner and a two hour trek home.

Mister at Roy's ruminating about the beautiful Filet he just ate with a glass of Chimay.

More tomorrow about my early Sunday morning suprise text from none other than Ada Fisher wife of Chef Todd (Fisher) a super duper nice woman!!

Until someone taught me this method I used to dread making tubes and narrow straps that had to be turned right-side-out. I thought I’d share my method in hopes it would be helpful to y’all.

You’ll need the tube or strap you want to sew and a piece of spare yarn or string that’s around six inches longer than the tube.

Start by putting a big knot at the end of the string – doubled up kinda knot that wont’ slip through the stitching when tugged on.

Place the string in the middle of the tube on the right side with the knot at the end of the tube that you'll be sewing closed.

 If you’re a person who pins, go ahead and pin your piece right sides together without catching the string in your pins. I’ve pinned here just to hold the fabric up for the camera (tutorials by yourself are tough)

At this point, stitch the end of your tube closed (and the sides) while keeping the knotted end of your string in the center of the end as shown below.

Now complete sewing the whole tube, leaving about six inches (or more) of the string extending beyond the end of the tube.

Now the fun part begins (right?)

Using your index finger, give the string (tube reversal) a head start by ‘rolling’ the sewn end into the tube.

Note to you younger seamstresses, MOISTURIZE or you'll have old wrinkly hands like mine!

I swear I get my nails done often...what's up with the camera picking up every flaw??

 Now tug on the string and the whole tube will pull through like magic.

 Now clip the string really close to the stitching and it will disappear once you iron and edge stitch the strap or cut the end off completely if you don’t need it stitched shut.

I used my strap for this sample of the Brassy Apple Maddie Bee pattern! Now available in select stores and online!  I even got a mention in the Brassy Blog!