Friday Favorites

Hot Hot Hot. Hot dogs here. Meaning the chihuahuas. Jack thought lying down under a cupboard in the studio was his best bet...maybe thinking it would be cooler in the shade? Carlos follows us around thinking if he is out of sight he'll be outta mind and we'll never rescue him. We still have some repairs to do to our A/C post Hurricane Sandy. Luckily it is my brother Walt's line of work so he'll be able to do it. When?...who knows. The guy is running around like a nut. He lives with us and we see him mayyybe 10 mins a day. More like 7. In the meantime, to beat the heat we put a window unit in our bedroom. This is where we go to escape the inferno down below...without it I'd be a goner for sure. Ugh. As I type this I feel a familiar tickle...that lone bead of sweat rolling down my back. We are super busy with lots of book stuff to finish right now, and my own nerves make me that much hotter!

We are now finishing up some things that can only be done in the sweltering studio, then making an early dinner, Greek Chicken Pitas to be exact, and then high tailing up to the bedroom, where we will be for the next bunch of hours. Lots and lots of computer work to do. At times like this I wish we had a tv up there. Not that we watch much tv at all, (besides Walking Dead and Breaking Bad). We do movies on Netflix mostly. Oh but wait, speaking of tv... The Killing comes back on Sunday! Ahh! We are beeeyond excited about that! New case, new characters...but there will be the same Linden / Holder chemistry to love.

Anyways...It's going to be a hot weekend. Great time to make some homemade frozen fruit pops! And a great time for Friday Favorites!

The above paintings are by Joel Penkman, and I can't believe I haven't shared his work here before. Just so perfect. And they really do lower my temp a bit just looking at them.

 

This pillowcase set is so incredibly charming! Oh it would be perfect in our bedroom...(pictured above) We have been collecting vintage floral paintings for as long as we are together...and that is a long long time! We have some paintings that date back to the very early 1900s! Ladies would get together on Sundays and paint still life florals mostly...and wouldn't ya know it, they called these Sunday Paintings! They are seriously one of my absolute favorite things. Dark, romantic, soothing and even though they're often muted by the patina of time there is still so much color.

This  dreamy setting is from a fantastic photo shoot of an outdoor movie party. You gotta click the link to see the party in full. Such cute ideas and amazing accessories for a night in the backyard with friends. 

Ok I could diiie! This! Oh IKEA you did it again! This cabinet is seriously in my dreams. I've been wanting, dreaming, needing something like it for so long. Mostly I've come across the stripped down metal vintage medical office type...which if you live in the NYC/NJ area...that stuff is crazy $pensive!  This adorable Ikea piece will do just fine! I think my paper mache bunnies may want to live in it! Oh geez...or picture it full of seasonal, vintage holiday bits!

Ok, annnd This! Like seriously? If the Raskog cart wasn't enough, these lockers are killing me! I can think of about 4 or 5 places that these could work in our home. I so so need to get to IKEA soon! geez!

This applies so much to the world I wanna live in. In blog land, in the art community, in collecting vintage, in the world of style, it's all about waaay different types of people all into the same stuff. It's about sharing unique ideas and specialized knowledge, and you can come from anywhere and be anyone. And most importantly...you can be ANY age! I love that I have online friends and IRL friends who were maybe born in the 90's or they might be in their 90's. Cool is cool...with or without wrinkles.

Oh and by the way...the winner of the Shabby Apple Giveaway was chosen and announced! Hooray for Midnight And Dawn! Stay tuned for some really really fun giveaways over the next few weeks!!  :)

Guys it's JUNE tomorrow!! How?!!

xo Jenny...and Aaron says hi!

Plum Tomato & Basil Lasagna Roll Ups

Let's talk about lasagna. When I think lasagna I think family get togethers, potlucks, big meals. It's fairly quick and easy and even though there are a ton of variations of the theme, it's a dish you can rely on. And if you're ordering out, you pretty much know what you are getting. Of course there is the good, the bad, and the ugly. And hopefully you come across the GREAT! We've all had all of the above. And over time we've learned the key tips and tricks when making it...like letting it sit before cutting, so that it doesn't just pool all over your plate in a soupy mess. Or not to over sauce it, because it should be about the flavor of every ingredient and not just a blur of red.

Well, these roll ups are kinda like a fool proof answer to any lasagna doubts you might have. And I have to say...the weather is so hot right now and after eating these it DID NOT feel as if we ate bricks. These are definitely a lighter, neater, and brighter variation on the lasagna theme. I know lasagna is one of the more indulgent foods but I'd say this is maybe one of the least indulgent versions I've had. You do not have to forsake lasagna just because you are eating lighter or healthier. We used whole wheat lasagna noodles here and they were totally great...and the bulk of the filling consists of plum tomato slices.

We absolutely love these roll ups. They've got the classic fresh flavors of a Caprese salad. They're easy and quick and much healthier. We love that they're a perfectly portioned meal, and so easy to freeze for future nights. But full disclosure...Aaron ate two of 'em. They are just so delicious! Lasagna doesn't have to be a big plate of heavy duty sit on the couch all night stuff.

Here is what you will need: 

8 lasagna noodles uncooked (we used whole wheat)

12 oz low-moisture part skim Mozzarella cheese (put some to the side for sprinkling on top)

3/4 cup low fat Ricotta cheese 

1 egg

1/2 cup freshly grated good quality Parmesan cheese

freshly ground black pepper to taste

3 - 4 medium Plum tomatoes thinly sliced (you'll need 32 slices)

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish

2 cups Marinara sauce ( we used our quick, easy and delicious homemade sauce)

*Simple Tomato Sauce:

2 cups chopped tomatoes ( I use Pomi brand and LOVE it )

2 teaspoons olive oil

2-3 teaspoons minced garlic

dash of balsamic vinegar

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoon Italian herbs

dash of salt & pepper

dash of sugar (optional)

Tomato Sauce:

*If you opted to make your own simple tomato sauce, which takes like 2 mins, grab a small sauce pan. Set to medium heat, Add your olive oil. Now add your garlic, and cook till fragrant, about a minute...don't let it get brown. Now add your crushed red pepper flakes and stir around a bit. Add your tomatoes, herbs, and balsamic vinegar. Stir. Add your salt, pepper and sugar. Remove from heat and set aside.

...............

Now for the lasagna roll ups:

First Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. And prepare your lasagna noodles according to the package. Drain your noodles but DO NOT rinse them. They shouldn't be dripping with water. Lay them out on a piece of parchment or wax paper on your counter. 

 Ok, let's get that filling going! In a large bowl whisk together your ricotta and egg until well blended. 

Now, mix in your Parmesan cheese and most of your Mozzarella cheese. Just hold on to enough of the mozzarella to sprinkle on top before baking. And add dash or two of pepper.

Now that you've got your filling mixed, each length of noodle gets 1/4 cup of the filling. We found the perfect way to do this is using a fork and a 1/4 cup measure. We loved that the cheese wasn't a goopy mess. The high quality grated parmesan binds it into a neat spreadable paste. 

Now layer on 4 plum tomato slices. Space them maybe a 1/4 to a half inch apart and leave a little room at the beginning of the noodle to make starting your roll easier. And make sure to top each tomato with with fresh basil! Me and Aar want his and her scents to wear that perfectly capture the essence of fresh basil.  

Roll your noodles up to the end, putting the seam on the bottom.

This reeeally couldn't be easier! It could actually be a super fun recipe to do with the littles! These things are cute!

 You really could use one baking dish, but we had a few other recipes going while we made these and seriously need to pick up some more baking dishes. So we went with two 8 x 8 glass dishes and it worked out great. Spread about 1/4 cup of your sauce in the bottom of the dish, and lay your roll ups in seam side down. Now top each roll up with about 2-3 tablespoons of sauce.

Using your spoon, do your best to spread the sauce to cover all of your pasta. Just baste them so that they keep moist while baking. We snuggled our roll ups together and made sure to bring the sauce up the sides .

Now you can sprinkle your remaining mozzarella on top. We also added a bit more Parmesan and a bit of our favorite good quality Pecorino Romano. Pop your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 mins. 

Our roll ups came out pretty darn perfect. Not a dry spot on them. 

Garnish with some more fresh basil and a smidge more grated parmesan and serve!

These hold together amazingly, the flavors burst, the tomatoes remain bright, and you can taste each individual ingredient. We didn't feel like we ate a bunch of goop and we really had a good time making them!

We hope you'll give them a try! And if you do...come on back and leave us a comment/link!

xo Jenny & Aaron

*adapted from Cooking Classy

Meet our Feature Sponsor for May : Natalie Slater of Bake And Destroy

What is your name and/or business and blog name and your age range if you'd like to share (no biggie if not).

Natalie Slater, Bake and Destroy and I'm 33 years old. 

What do you do? ...and when did you start?

I've been writing a food blog called Bake and Destroy since 2006. It spawned a bunch of side projects like SugarSlam, a pro-wrestling-themed bake off and Food Puncher, my son's healthy snack review column but I'm most excited about my book, Bake and Destroy: Good Food for Bad Vegans. It comes out in mid-August but it's available for pre-sale wherever books are sold online right now! 

 What/Who are you inspired by?

I draw a lot from my childhood, which I spent touring the country with my grandparents or parked in front of the TV. A lot of my recipes are based on a combination of things I ate while road tripping with Gram and Papa and TV shows and movies I loved as a kid. 

Where is your favorite place to be?

I live in Chicago and I am a city slicker through and through. I like to jump on the El with my son Teno and hop off at our favorite sweet shop Angel Food Bakery. Then we jump on again and stop into Uncle Fun for important stuff like whoopie cushions and fake dog poop. I like to be where there's lots to do, so Chicago is the perfect place for me. 

What are some of your fave movies/shows/bands/music?

My favorite movies are Rocky, They Live and Slapshot - featuring my three all-time biggest crushes: Sylvester Stallone, Roddy Piper and Paul Newman. I can't stand reality TV or sitcoms, so I mostly watch cartoons - Bob's Burgers, Adventure Time and Regular Show are some of my favorites. I love youth crew hardcore - stuff like Gorilla Biscuits and Youth of Today - it got me through high school with a positive attitude and it still motivates me to try to make every day better than the last. 

Do you collect anything?

Oh man, I collect everything. I actually just gave my massive Re-Ment/Megahouse miniature faux food collection away to my niece because I have a seven year old and every time he runs through the house teeny tiny little cupcakes and milkshakes go flying. So right now I'm focusing on my collection of 1950s chalkware figurines - mostly animals wearing clothes or anthropomorphic food. I also have pretty many pieces of Everyday is a Holiday art! 

 Favorite thing you've ever made...or fave go-to ingredients?

A while back my husband Tony and I just started making these bowls packed with every nutrient-dense food we could think of, we call it Bowl of Stuff. It's so easy to throw one together, and it's never the same thing twice - it's one of the most popular posts I've ever done. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I'd love to do a web show, and maybe by then Teno will be old enough that I won't feel guilty for spending time developing recipes and editing videos instead of with him. (He'll be 12! It makes me cry to think about it.) I'd love to do a cooking show for kids - something like Pee-Wee's Playhouse or Yo Gabba Gabba but with a focus on where our food comes from and how kids can help to make healthy food for their whole family. 

Three favorite websites/blogs/shops...etc?

Lucky Cupcake Hairclips - My friend Joy makes the cutest pop culture-inspired hair accessories. I feel naked without a Morrissey bow in my hair or a pizza head wrap tied around my noggin. 

Betty Turbo - Agnes illustrated my book and I have her prints ALL over my house. We like all the same things - wrestling, donuts, Twin Peaks. She's wonderful! 

Circa Ceramics - Nancy and Andy made special pieces that are featured in my book as well. Anyone who screens monster trucks on dinnerware is a-ok in my book! 

Anything else you'd like to add?  

I just want to thank everyone who has read my blog over the years - I've met the nicest people via a food blog full of cussing and slasher film references, it's amazing. Oh, and I'm going to be launching a pretty great contest soon for people who pre-order my book so make sure you follow me on Twitter or like me on Facebook so you can get the details! 

..............................

This is where I should preemptively say "You're very welcome." Because I think everyone will thank me for introducing them to Natalie! I love peeps like Natalie who don't fit into a neat, predetermined little niche. Out of 31 flavors, she's number 32. And what she said about meeting the nicest people amid cussing and slasher film references, well that goes both ways...because she's like ultra sweet to the core (and don't let her try to convince you otherwise). Me and Aaron love her little family, such a great trio. And you must catch Teno's snack reviews. The kid is so adorable...and growing up so fast!
 I guess what we all love most about Natalie and Bake and Destroy is the consistent sense of humor that runs through everything she touches. Like, she's serious, has got real skills and knowledge and opinions, but she's gonna serve them to you with plenty of pitch perfect wit and sarcasm. Can't wait for her book. Aside from being filled with amazing recipes, it's one cookbook that you'll actually enjoy reading...and I expect you'll read parts aloud to your friends. 
So thrilled to feature Natalie here and if any of you guys are just finding her right now through this post...well, "You're very welcome."

xo, Jenny...and Aaron

Happy Memorial Day

Yeah, that youngin' above is my Dad from his Vietnam days. Geez, he was a baby. Incredible what those boys were faced with.  For his sake and everyone's, I'm so thrilled that we were given such great weather on this Memorial Day. This is a holiday that means a lot to my Dad, having lost so many fellow Marines along the way. Whether the day is about relaxing, rejoicing, remembering, or even building a log cabin (like my Dad)...one thing to keep in mind is how very much our soldiers have done and will do for our way of life. It was great to see so many local parades and countless BBQ's all over the place. Me and Aaron took some time yesterday to walk our beach front. It was so clear and the breeze was great. We seriously have been spending unhealthy amounts of time locked indoors...so getting out in the sunshine was downright mandatory.  

This is just a couple blocks away and getting up here for just bit is like a reset button for your soul. Way in the distance you can see the new NYC skyline, the final spire now attached to the Freedom Tower makes it the tallest building in America at 1776 feet.

I love the patterns the wind makes in the sand.

 Love from the Jersey Shore!

Then today the weather really got nice...like perfect. So my brother Walt wanted to go trail riding on his new bike and asked if we wanted to take a trip to the park. While he rode, me, Aar, and Walt's girl Val did some trail hiking. The woods are sprawling and way high up...it's actually the highest point on the eastern seaboard south of Maine. The trails are suuurious! Like, insane inclines and declines over twisty, rocky terrain. We used to go here like every day a few years ago and today we picked one of our favorite trails.

Val & Aaron.

Though I gotta admit, it wasn't as easy as it was a few years ago. It can't be that I'm less in shape...I think there must've been a seismic shift...the uphills were way steeper and longer. ha!

That structure nestled in the woods is like an old machine gun turret. There was an old army base where this park now sits. Every once in a while you'll encounter some old remnant...a bunker, a doorway built into a hillside leading to an underground tunnel. It's a very cool park. 

You also come upon little clearings in the foliage that offer amazing views of the Atlantic.

This little guy stood still just long enough for me to snap a pic. I told him thanks. 

At about the midpoint of the trail it comes all the way down to the river's edge. It's beautiful...but it also means that you've gotta hike all the way back up to the aforementioned highest point on the east coast. Party!

What a great day! Afterward we reconnected with Walt, took a ride in his crazy jeep...which get's lots of waves from passersby on Memorial Day, with it's camouflage paint job and gigantic Don't Tread On Me flag! He drove us all right up onto the beach for an all terrain lunch. Ha! 

And how was your weekend?

xo, Jenny...and Aaron

Hope for Oklahoma

Hi friends! We are so happy to be participating in this great cause. Like so many of you we were stunned by the devastation caused by the tornados. You can't help but feel so absolutely helpless in situations like this. Right away our experience with Hurricane Sandy came flashing back...and those aren't good feelings to conjure up. But what immediately followed those feelings were our memories of  all the kind souls who stepped in to give whatever help they could to those in need. We had never experienced such an outpouring of generosity first hand. So it goes without saying that we wanted to do whatever we could to return the favor.

When our friend Heather contacted us about this auction she was putting together we jumped at the chance to pitch in. Just like it was here in Jersey, the need for immediate funds and supplies in Oklahoma is crucial. So this auction, featuring original art and handmade crafts from tons of fab artists, will get under way immediately. It will run Monday the 27th through Friday the 31st and we're hoping that word spreads so we can get as many art and craft lovers bidding as humanly possible. We've contributed a starter collection of our artwork as well as a tiny Keep Calm And Have A Cupcake book of inspirational quotes.

Heather, the gal running the auction, lives in close proximity to the tornado affected area and will be delivering the proceeds from the auction directly into the hands of those who need it most. So please do what you can...Like the designated Facebook page, Share it with your friends, and by all means Bid away on some fabulous artwork! So many friends of ours from the art and blog community have contributed and we know there will be some amazing stuff on the auction block this week. 

The great people of Oklahoma need help desperately right now, and we're confident that our community will do whatever they can to be there for them. 

Below are our pieces that will be up for auction this week:

"Ferris Wheel" (retail value 28.00)

8x10 matted ready to frame print fits 11x14 frame

Living at the Jersey Shore, we see our share of ferris wheels. Glimmering on the horizon, serving as beacons of fun and symbols of magical memories by the sea. 

"Old Fashioned Desserts" (retail value 28.00)

8x10 matted ready to frame print fits 11x14 frame

This painting was inspired by the perfectly pastel toned illustrations from vintage recipe books, and our love for classic sweets, still baked every day in authentic vintage style bakeries. 

"Cupcakes" (retail value 28.00)

 8x10 matted ready to frame print fits 11x14 frame.

The undeniable classic dessert. Every baking fan's favorite and our long time artistic muse. Ask anyone...life is so much sweeter with Cupcakes! 

"Keep Calm And Have A Cupcake, Sweet Little Thoughts on Staying Sane" book (retail value 5.95)

Yummy mini gift book features a hardcover binding and pink-and-white dust jacket. Keep the 24K gold-plated cupcake charm on the ribbon bookmark or wear it on a bracelet.

These four items will be up for auction with a low opening bid. What a great time to pick up some art for you, or a friend while also getting to help those in dire need. 

The auction takes place right there on the Hope for Oklahoma Facebook page.

 Auction start time is Monday, May 27th at 7pm CST. The end time is Friday, May 31st at 7pm CST.

There is a preview of some of the fantastic artwork but keep in mind that it's only a preview. There will be so much more when the auction goes live.

Again, Share and Like, and bid if you can...tell your friends...whatever is possible for you. We're so honored to have such wonderful giving friends! Thanks so much for reading and taking part!

xo, Jenny & Aaron

Friday Favorites

Oh how I wish I could say that the sun was shining here. It's so gloomy and wet. We were really hoping for sun being that we've got lots of photos to take and natural light is the only way to go. But not to worry...we've got a bajillion other things on our to do list to keep us busy. Besides needing the sun for our tasks it would also be some good medicine for this Holiday weekend. It's nearly June and some parts of Upstate NY are expecting snow flurries and then later in the week temps will near 90 degrees. I mean, choose a side Mama Nature! 

I think we're gonna have some sun on Sunday, which will be great for taking a break from the indoor stuff and maybe getting to do yard work. So yeah, despite our crummy weather...I bet some of you are being absolutely spoiled rotten by that crazy Nature lady!

How about some Friday Favorites?

The above vases make me feel so calm. Of course, the colors are responsible for most of that feeling. But those perfect facets and the geometric designs are so orderly and clean...I can't help but to feel aesthetically assuaged.

Oh my gosh! This loft in Madrid has me like dizzy from fabulousness! (yes, first I'm calm...now I'm dizzy.) Evvvverything about it! All the white, the textures, the very few pops of color, the eclectic collection of art. Just WOW! Right? Can I just rent it for a weekend? Puleeeeze? 

This! As fellow bloggers, pinners, and dreamers you know what this fab statement means. And as a work from home partially hermetic duo...me and Aar really know what it means! Ha! And I think Aaron, the chronic reader of fiction, can take this a step further so that it says: "people who don't exist." 

Summertime means BBQs, picnics, get togethers...and just what are any of those things without a great dessert? (if you said 'worthless' or 'nothing' then we should hang.) This Chocolate Ricotta Icebox Cake looks sooo darn good and is perfect for the hot months! It's seriously killing me right now! Oh you better believe this is going to happen...yep! You gotta Treat Yo Self every once in a while! ;)

These fabulous Gatsby Inspired nails...oh my! I've been a black and gold girl forever, so these fit right in with my deal. Love the sparkly bits! And Aaron talks about "Scott" as if it's his best friend from high school.

I Love the work of UK based artist Charlotte Hardy...like really really love her work. Her balance of light and dark are perfect and there's always just the right amount of pattern. Nothing is overwrought...there's a simplicity that's simultaneously complex. Which is something to strive for in art. All the best art is a contradiction of our normal understanding of things.

ok, Happy Friday to you all! Enjoy this special weekend...and wherever you go...bring dessert!

xo, Jenny...and Aaron