I'm behind the times

Image borrowed

I'm always a bit behind the curve, which is why I haven't yet gotten around to watching the two latest episodes of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution on hulu. I was poking around on the web when I ran across this spoiler-alert article about his efforts. The guy is doing some really wonderful things to educate people about what we eat blindly. Jamie's spiel on candy coatings (Season 2, episode 3) even prevented me from buying theatre snacks a couple of weeks ago (much to the disappointment of my movie buddy).*

All this to say, I'm sad for the close mindedness of a community (or the leadership over it) that was not open to letting Jamie revolutionize their diets. They're the ones losing out. There is a lot of good to be gained if we endure the growing pains of facing the facts.

*In an effort to steer clear of some of the nauseating things he reported are on the ingredient lists of some beloved sweeties, I'm going to try and opt for choices from places like Indie Candy, if at all possible.

Calling All Blog-Lovers

image from Roost

I'm looking for links.

If you enjoy reading food, craft, entertaining-centric blogs, please post links to your favorite sites here. I'd be much obliged. Click the image credit below to have a look around my most recent favorite. Thanks for your help!

Slam Dunk

image from here

Oh, I meant to tell you about this long ago, and was just reminded of it as I sat at my desk enjoying an afternoon pick-me-up. You see, I was introduced to this delicacy during my last visit to NYC (thanks to my hospitable hostess). This wafery-chocolatey cookie is called a Tim Tam and it comes from heaven above (or, to select American cities by way of Australia). New York is of course one of these premier locations. Birmingham, Alabama....not yet. Maybe like most fashion trends, they'll make their way down South, and then west, and then west....in a few years. I was delighted beyond delighted when my savvy Upper West sider friend smuggled some home for me last week.

So, what's the big deal about this cookie? Well, not only is this a stand-alone delicious choice, it is unparalleled in its excellence when combined with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of joe. And alas! You may reach the pinnacle of enjoyment when you consume it with the "tim tam slam" method. For its utmost indulgence, you must bite off opposite corners of the cookie, inserting one into a hot cup of coffee. (The next step requires finesse and speed, and is not for the Emily Post devotee, as it will cause you to behave less than lady-like for a moment's time.) Wasting not another minute, you must then inhale your coffee as it rushes through the crispy layers of the cookie. When you get your first taste of coffee, time waits for no man. You must shove the entire cookie into your mouth, where it explodes into a chocolate pyrotechnic and you succumb to a coffee-soaked oblivion.

I googled this phenomenon, and, was not surprised to find that it's a thing. I even found google images of people slamming. And the great news, I found a site where you can order these goodies, and get them delivered to your doorstep. Thank goodness that the Aussies are so generous as to share with us.

Hats On

It's been pretty quite around here at Four Hats Press...

While I've been adjusting to a new 9-to-5 and catching my breath after moving the beast of a press into its new home, I've neglected to do much designing or printing. But, with repairs now under way, and impending occasions to celebrate, I made the trek to APS this weekend (for what I hope will turn out to be one of the last times) to print a couple of things for family/friends.

Here's the baby announcement that will tell the world about my nephew-to-come. I can't wait to meet this little fella. The remainder of the cards will go up for sale in my etsy shop. Look for little girl versions soon, too!

And here are some more wedding invites, this time around for my roommate. It's been fun to be a part of her special day in this way.

And the RSVP card. I love the oak tree design, as it mirrors the very site of their nuptial ceremony. Look at that deep impression. H Yeah.

For years, I've dreamed of the romantic notion of setting up banquet-style in a field or farm for a dinner with friends. The image has always evoked memory of the scripture that mentions being taken to the great banqueting hall, His banner over us being LOVE. This Saturday, I had the pleasure of being part of a wedding celebration that brought life to the dream with the beautiful setup at Jones Valley Urban Farm that you see above. At dusk, with help from the strung-up globe lights and paper lanterns, it was a lovely scene like I've only before imagined.

In other news, the traveling dream dinner party, Outstanding in the Field makes it's way South this fall. Check it out here.