The Fickle Hobbyist

Wow, what a sad turn of events.  It’s been months upon months since I’ve updated here.  I feel sad about my little blog.  The thing is, we’ve had so much going on here, I haven’t had the time to do any sort of crafting in a long time!  School is starting up next week so I might have some more time to myself, but I’m still not sure since I’ve recently taken on a new project.  (big surprise, right?  If it’s not a craft, it’s at least a project of some sort)

It’s no secret I am an entrepreneur.  I love being in business for myself.  Honestly, if I had a choice between being behind a desk making money for and taking orders from someone else, or taking a chance and working for myself doing what *I* want, even though it may take a while to see a harvest, I will choose that any day.  I am a carefree spirit.  I can’t be pinned down with a 9-5 job.  ha!  So after Booty Parlor closed the doors to the direct sales department, I decided it was time to stop going the independent consultant and take a chance and do it all myself.  Nothing wrong with direct sales, I just didn’t want to keep doing that.

My new venture combines my love of all things entrepreneurial with my appreciation for healthier, cleaner living.

Garden to Belly

On my site you will find top of the line juicers, grain mills, yogurt makers, sprouters, vermicomposting bins, urban growing bins and lots more to come!  If it sounds at all interesting to you, I’d appreciate your visit.  I’ve also got another blog connected to the store where I will post healthy recipes and tips for sustainable gardening.  (It’s still in its infancy, so bear with me)  Consider following me on twitter and facebook as well!

I’m not giving up on this blog.  I do love it here.  It just may be a while before I can post anything for a while.  I hope you’ll stick around!

Autumn

homemade chocolate chip waffles

plus

local strawberries

plus

homemade whipped cream

(is there anything better than homemade whipped cream?!)

equals

A delicious way to start a lazy Saturday

Happy Saturday!

Once or twice a month my girlfriends and I get together for a “cooking club”.  (we have since conceded that it should actually just be called “eating club” because it’s not like we exchange recipes, we just get together to eat.)  I was drawing a blank as to what I was going to bring today, when at the last minute I decided to do a Mozarella Salad.

The thing is, I didn’t want to bring everything with me and assemble it there, which would mean the salad would actually look presentable, but I didn’t want to make it at home either because it would look … not pretty by the time it got there.

I decided to do these one bite appetizers instead.  I have made them before with a whole cherry and a whole mozzarella ball (Ciliegine) with a basil leaf atop each one, but it wasn’t something you could just pop into your mouth.  Plus, I wanted them to be able to stand up.

Instead I opted to half each of the main ingredients.  This is very very simple to put together, but I think it makes for a really nice presentation.  Just cut your cherry tomatoes (and you can use whatever kind.  My husband just happened to pick up the yellow ones) in half and spear the skinned side with the toothpick.  Then, place a small leaf or a portion of a larger leaf of basil on the toothpick and finish up with half of a mozzarella ball.

There are several recipes you may use for your dressing, but I am a simple girl when it comes to this combination.  I simply sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper and finish up with a dash of olive oil and a good quality balsamic vinegar.  Add some basil chiffonade for garnish and extra yumminess and you are good to go!

This presentation allowed me to put the oil and vinegar on the bites while maintaining an appetizing appearance.  I do think it tastes better when you let it marinate a little.

It’s amazing to me how sometimes the most simple of flavor combinations can be the most delicious.

-Autumn