'quick' curry

I love winter cooking. Ok, so it was 70 outside today, but it's still winter and there's actually snow in the forecast for the end of the week (welcome to Asheville!), so there.

soul-satisfying vegetable curry

We had a dinner meeting at the studio this week, and we had decided on a crock pot curry. Normally, I'd get it going early and simmer it all day, but I was scheduled out of the studio until just hours before our meeting, and ingredients would be coming in from the other members of the studio all day, so adjustments had to be made. This 'recipe' is more of an outline, as many recipes here are, but you can use the formula to try your own versions. And to help with the time factor, we're using some pre-cooked and pre-prepared elements, as we've done in the past.

the micro-brew of hummus

Do I still consider it homemade? Oh yah, sure, you betcha! And the result of these little 'cheats' is that we had a curry with deeply developed flavors in a fraction of the time. Do I prefer this to spending a long morning in the kitchen prepping and cooking, then smelling the spices and flavors simmer all day long? Not at all, but when I can get this result at the studio using a crock pot and electric skillet, I'll take it! Will I ever present proper 'recipes' with normal formats? Yes, but you may have to wait for the book version. Will I stop asking myself questions now and get to it? I'll try, but it's kind of hard to stop.

Amounts: we have a large, oval crock pot, and this meal served 9 with leftovers. I'm sharing the amounts I used, so you may want to adjust for your own uses, and as always, use this as an outline and use ingredients that you like. Play with it!

Curry Base

2  8-ounce containers Roots Thai Coconut Curry Hummus
1  large can crushed tomatoes
2  cans coconut milk
1 TBSP turmeric
2 TBSP curry spices*
1 TBSP salt

Put curry base ingredients in crock pot, stir to blend, and set to high while you prepare the vegetables. Keep covered, and stir and cover again immediately after each addition below.
*we use a blend of curry spices at the studio - use your favorite blend or individual spices. Because there's some heat in the hummus, I'm not adding cayenne in this recipe (this time!).

Other ingredients

1 cup cooked garbanzo beans
1 cup cooked lentils
dry thyme or basil
1 1/2 onions, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped
1 medium sweet potato, diced
2 cups cooked collard greens, chopped
8 oz. 'baby bella' mushrooms, cut into quarters
2 cups broccoli flowerets
Olive oil
Vegetable broth
salt, pepper, additional curry seasonings

Heat about 3 tbsp vegetable broth in the skillet. Add the garbanzos and lentils. Season with salt and dry herbs. Saute 3-4 minutes, adding more broth if it dries out, then transfer into the curry base, which should be heating up.

Heat 3-4 TBSP olive oil in skillet on low, and add 1 cup of the onions and cook slowly over low heat until caramelized. Season with salt and turmeric (more for color), then transfer into curry base and stir.

Heat 1/4 cup vegetable broth in skillet, then add garlic, sweet potatoes and collards.Season lightly with salt and pepper, adding more broth if needed to keep pan moist until sweet potatoes and garlic soften. Transfer to curry base.

Heat 2-3 TBSP olive oil in skillet on medium heat. Add mushrooms, cut side down, to sear. Stir after a couple of minutes and add remaining sliced onion and saute until softened. Season lightly to tastes, then transfer to curry base.

Add broccoli to curry base and stir. Taste for seasoning balance, cover crock pot and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Serve over brown rice.

Winter Gallery Hours and Activities

We are finally feeling like winter here in the weather, and while things may feel like they're slowing down to accommodate a seasonal hibernation, it's actually time to get busy in studio!

The Village Potters Gallery is moving into winter hours: Monday - Saturday, 10am-4pm through March. If you're in the area, I hope you'll come by and say hello! I'm in the gallery two Wednesdays a month, and you'll find me back in the studio most other days.

Meanwhile, I'm in studio most days, shaking off the more leisurely holiday pace and working on stocking up for clients and preparing new work for galleries and the new year. I'm so grateful to have a busy list to start with, and I'm looking forward to developing new works for existing and new clients this year. Hopefully I'll do better at sharing glimpses of that here!

In addition to the 'making' aspect of the work, there's always work to be done in the business/administrative end as well. We had a stellar first year as The Village Potters, and we're looking ahead to another great year of growth individually for each of us as well as for the Collective that is The Village Potters. Crazy Green Studios continues its growth, and I continue to be grateful beyond words for the opportunities that have come to me in joining The Village Potters. New lines, updated wholesale offerings, and new associations all abound in the year ahead and it's an honor and pleasure to do it with this group!

Finally, I'll leave you with a link to a very thoughtfully written blog, on a subject that comes up often and in many forms for anyone who is an artisan of handmade products or services. I'm not sharing it as a 'rant', but more to say thank you to all who have supported my work and who support the idea and importance of handmade. You can read the blog HERE.

Happy New Year!

Latkes!

It used to be that a busy studio life meant less cooking. While that's true of 'home' cooking, the increasing functionality of our studio kitchen means I can get an idea for a meal on the way to the studio, and actually cook it up at the studio!

That's sort of what happened the other morning. On the way to the studio, a flyer from my Co-op fell out of one of my bags and I spied a recipe for latkes. It being Hannukah and all, I felt I should make my mom proud and make some for my studio mates. I scanned the recipe and knew I could make it 'more or less' as written, and the results were very well received!

With thanks to the Co-op flyer (I'm sure many who are used to my vague lists of ingredients and cooking process will delight in an actual recipe!) - with my adjustments:

Sweet Potato and Parsnip Latke

Makes 12 latkes.

2 cups shredded sweet potatoes
1 cup shredded parsnips
1/2 small onion, grated
2 eggs, beaten
1/3 cup polenta style corn meal
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
vegetable oil for frying


Peel the sweet potatoes and parsnips and shred using a food grater or food processor. Wrap the shredded bits in a few paper towels and squeeze out the excess liquid. Grate the onion and wrap that in a few paper towels to squeeze out excess liquid. Add onion to sweet potato and parsnips.

Dust the shredded veggies with the cornmeal, salt, and cayenne pepper. Toss to mix and coat evenly. Lightly beat the two eggs, then pour over the veggies and mix till evenly coated.

Cover the bottom of a large skillet with vegetable oil, and come up the sides about 1/4 inch. When the oil is hot, scoop a large spoon full of the latke mix into the pan, then flatten slightly with the back of the spoon. Repeat until the pan is filled, but not crowded, and lightly sprinkle the flattened tops with sea salt (this side only).  Brown the latkes on each side for about 3-4 minutes, then remove to a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat with the rest of the mix.

** ** **

I think there are many options to play with in the mix. Half way through cooking these, I happened upon a leftover roasted corn on the cob in the fridge, so I scraped off the kernels and added them to the remaining latkes. Very good! Next time I'll probably add some fresh herbs, maybe some other root veg, maybe do a curried version...

Toppings: The co-op flyer suggested a topping of sour cream mixed with a minced apple. I had a container of coconut milk yogurt (apricot) and used that instead, but they were quite good even without a topping.

Happy Hannukah!

Cool Craft Market: December 14-16

Join me in downtown Asheville December 14-16 for some holiday fun and great handmade gifts at Handmade in America!

Cool Craft Market: Holiday Edition and VIP Preview Party December 14-16, 2012 VIP Preview Party Friday, Dec 14, 5pm-8pm $10 + one item for Homeward Bound of Asheville. See below for items to bring. Market Saturday, 10am -5pm, free Sunday, 11-4pm, free Location: HandMade in America Office HandMade in America is located at 125 S. Lexington, Suite 101 Asheville, NC 28801. HandMade in America's front doors are located on Hilliard Avenue between S. Lexington Ave. and Church Street.(Paid parking located across from front doors. Free parking available as you can find arounf block) This December, HandMade in America is excited to  host its first annual Cool Craft Market: Holiday Edition. This Market will feature 25 vendors from around Western North Carolina, selling both functional and decorative items including clothing, accessories, pottery, natural products, kitchenware, and ornaments. The Cool Craft Market will be a fantastic place to find one of a kind gifts ranging from $5-$300, just in time for the holidays! On Friday, December 14th from 5-8:00pm HandMade in America is having a VIP Preview Party, with item donations to benefit Homeward Bound of Asheville, a group with a mission to end chronic homelessness in the city. Guests of the party will have their first choice on market items as well as free food and drink to celebrate the holiday season. Come enjoy local craft and local music by The Willows. Local wine and food will be served. Tickets will cost $10 and HandMade asks that everyone bring one item from the Homeward Bound of Asheville necessity's list. (See below) This Party is sponsored by Element Advertising, WNC Magazine, Storm Rhum Bar and Bistro, SignARama, Asheville Brewing Company and Homeward Bound. Items to Bring *Homeward Bound items are not required on Saturday and Sunday but we will still accept donations throughout the weekend. For A HOPE Ground Coffee Toilet Paper Disposable Razors Sugar For Pathways to Permanent Housing Cleaning Supplies – Trash bags, paper towels, all-purpose cleaners Toilet brush, Broom, Mop, Dust pan Plates, Bowls, Cups, Silverware Pots and Pans Coffee Pots Dishrags/Dish Towels Toasters Microwaves Shower Curtains, Liner, and Rings Pillows Blankets/Comforters Sheets (full and queen) Participating Artists Ryan-Ashley Anderson Linda Azar Anja Bartels Elynn  Bernstein Amy Brandenburg Julie Fawn Boisseau Melanie Carreira Chad Alice Hagen Linda LaBelle Jude Lally Cara  May Sandra McCartney Mary  Mikkelsen & Henry Pope Dyann Myers Christopher Perryman Susan Seidman Michon Sentner Matthew Smith Cara Steinbuchel Lori Theriault Barbara Updike Anita Walling Doc Welty Sheree White Sorrells Daniele Wickel

Liebster Blog Award

Liebster Blog award

Thank you New Day Pottery for nominating me for the Liebster blog award.  

The Liebster Blog award is given to bloggers who have less then 200 followers. "Liebster" is the German word for "favorite".  Here's how it works:

Each blogger should post 11 facts random facts about themselves.

-Answer the questions the tagger has set for you, then create 11 new questions for the bloggers you pass the award on to.

-Choose 11 bloggers (less than 200 followers) to pass the award to and link them to your post.

-Go to their page and tell them about the award.

-No tag backs!

Random facts about me.

1. I am originally from Vermont

2. Random past job: I drove an ice cream truck.

3. I worked in theatre for over 10 years.

4. I was in a Freddie Mercury video while in London.

5. I collect vintage cookbooks.

6. I have six very cool studio-mates.

7. I just got a smart phone, and luckily my 14 year-old goddaughter is teaching me how to use it.

8. Random past job: talent agent.

9. One dog, one cat, lots of 'mo-hair' clothing.

10. My mom and stepdad are in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and they look very sharp when in uniform.

11. Oddly, I love to travel almost as much as I love to nest.

New Day Pottery's Questions for me:

1. Where did you grow up.

 Central Vermont, then moved to Georgia during high school.

2. What is your favorite place to visit?

Someplace I've never been.

3. How many pottery mugs do you own that are not made by you?
hmmm...not sure I've ever counted. At least 40, probably more.

4.What is your favorite book?
Hopefully the one I'm reading.

5. How many art shows do you participate in every year?
Not as many over the past several years as I've been trying to 'nest' my studio, but still 4-6 locally/regionally.

6.What is your favorite pizza?
Thin crust, no cheese, spicy sauce, black olive, caramelized onion, baby bella mushrooms, roasted garlic. Sometimes a little julienned prosciutto too.

7. What kind of music do you listen to most?
Depends on what I'm doing - in the studio I may listen to 'All Songs Considered' when I want to hear new or off beat music, but then I'll also loop Springsteen albums on the ipod for 'comfort and joy'. One of my studio mates loves to blast Tom Waits, and another likes broadway soundtracks. It's all good.

8. Beach or Mountains?

Mountains.

9.Favorite TV show?
It used to be CBS Sunday Morning when I had a tv. 

10. Last movie you saw?
Looking for Sugarman -  HIGHLY recommend it.

11.Favorite child hood memory?
Riding the bus from Tampa to Atlanta with my bestie after a week at soccer camp, probably driving everyone else on the bus crazy with our constant laughter.

My nominations:

Whistle Creek
Jen-A-Fusion
big fat art cloth

Christine Hartman Art

Bruce Starr's Paintings

Bark Photography

Eleanor Pigman

TPB/readyhezzie

It's Just a Painting

Blue Fire Studio

Oy Clay Pottery

Crazy Green Studios' questions for you.

1. Where did you travel last?

2. When did you know you wanted to do what you're doing now?

3. Who was your favorite teacher?

4. What's in your fridge?

5. Who was your first 'hero'?

6. Who was your first 'crush'?

7. If you could have a super power, what would it be?

8. Favorite board game?

9. Who would play you in a movie about your life?

10. Words to live by?

11. What advice do you have for the next generation?

Shop Early. Shop Local.

Crazy Green Studios accepts the 2012 and 2013 Asheville Go Local Card. For all purchases over $100 of pottery by Lori Theriault at The Village Potters' Gallery, use your Go Local card to receive a 10% discount.

Use your card on December 2 at our Holiday Open House for an extra 10% off that!

Shop Early. Shop Local.

What a Crock

The Village Potters (photo by Kirsten Fuchs).L-R: Melanie Robertson, Bernie Segal, Karen Dubois, Cat Jarosz, Sarah Wells Rolland, Lori Theriault, Judi Harwood

 Almost a year ago, I joined a collective of other potters to form The Village Potters, and while we still have our growing pains and developmental challenges, it's been a most fantastic venture. Food-wise, it's been an interesting blend of backgrounds and eating styles, but we're all lately on the same page about trying to cut down on the celebratory sweets and focus on the good, local, energy-providing foods that will keep us happily productive.

We have a small kitchen here, but well enough equipped to provide more than the microwaved frozen dinner. My trusty Foreman grill has already toasted up several sandwiches, a few portabello mushrooms, some salmon, and most recently some peaches. And my little rice cooker has done its duty as well, whipping up quick soups and stews with silky aromas gliding throughout the studio. My studio-mates have taken notice, and they're quite excited about the prospect of the endless possibilities I promise them as we move into the cooler fall months.

Grilled peaches off the mini-Foreman grill.

So yes my little appliances have been working well, but they're meant for small meal production, and there are up to seven of us here at any one time, so sexy smells wafting through the studio will not do if there's not enough to share! Studio-mate Sarah to the rescue, arriving today with a larger crock pot for our collective nourishment! 

The newest member of the collective, already smellin' up the place good!

Today's inaugural concoction of lentils with seasonal, local veggies, a bit of chicken broth with some curry seasonings was a big hit. I see more goodies simmering in our future. Next up may be a larger grill, and then perhaps a larger kitchen area. 

So you see, 'Homemade Tastes Better on Handmade' aren't just empty words in a catchy slogan to me - we field test it every day!