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December 28, 2007

Taking things slow . . .

I love to cook, but sometimes life just gets in the way.
 

The solution?  A slow cooker!  I gather the ingredients, toss them in and forget about it for a few hours.  And if you get busy, food doesn't overcook or burn if left longer than required. My particular model switches to a “keeping it warm” mode until I return.

Liquids do not boil away as in conventional methods of cooking.  Meats are marinating in their own natural juices and tend to be “fall of the bone” tender.

Here are some tips for easy use –

  1. I always “brown” the meat before adding it to the recipe.  While this step may not be necessary, remember it takes longer for cold items to warm up and begin cooking.  Browning also reduces the grease from items like ground beef.
  2. Again, to jump start the process, when adding liquids (beef or chicken stock, for example) recipes work best if the liquid which is added to the other ingredients has been already heated to boiling point.
  3. Traditional recipes can be modified for the slow cooker; most moisture based recipes can easily be prepared for the slow cooker – stews, soups, and sauces.
  4. Just remember that since liquids don’t evaporate as they would if boiled, less is required.  Play with your favorite recipe; it’s pretty hard to kill it in a crock-pot.
  5. Don’t over do it – cookers should be filled somewhere between half full and no more than two-thirds full.
  6. Vegetables cook slower than meat and poultry in a slow cooker so if using them, put vegetables in first, at the bottom and around sides of the utensil. Then add meat and cover the food with liquid such as broth, water or barbecue sauce.
  7. One hour on high equals two hours on low.
  8. Dairy products such as milk, sour cream and cheese also do not hold up well to several hours of simmering. To avoid curdling, wait until the last hour of cooking time to stir in these items. Heavy cream can stand up to heavy cooking.
  9. If you prefer your vegetables on the al dente side, add them in the last hour of cooking.
  10. Almost anything is improved with wine – both in and out of the chef.

After a long day working around the cabin, nothing beats the aroma beef stew or chicken noodle soup simmering in the slow cooker. 

Sit back, pour a glass of wine and take things slow.  You deserve it!

Posted by BearatHome at 10:29 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 27, 2007

Maine Bear Salt Glaze Pottery


 
 
Every piece of Maine Bear salt glaze pottery in handmade in Maine. Each piece will vary in color and texture. Handfuls of rock salt are thrown into the white hot kiln, allowing the shimmering fire to glaze every piece in a unique way. This pottery is very durable and made to be used. Oven proof, microwave and dishwasher safe.
 

Posted by BearatHome at 11:08 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 26, 2007

Off to the Mall?

If you are like most Americans, you’re off to the mall to snap up much promised bargains. But then again, you may have chosen a different path.

I rose early this morning to a very needy canine friend. With recent travels, the flu and the holiday – he has been somewhat neglected. Not neglected like I left him in the garage with a giant bowl of kibble - but neglected none the less. The walks have been shorter; my attention has been elsewhere - usually hunting for some relief to the cough – while he has been the ever silent sentry waiting for a friendly pat on the head.

This morning we ventured off to a favorite woodsy spot. The post holiday crowd was sparse and we tossed a ball in the early morning mist. We sniffed, we peed, and we waded in the creek – generally, a happy dog.

So as 2007 comes to close, my dog and I took time to live in the moment. Yea, I could have gotten to the office earlier or I could have rushed off to the mall to find a great deal, but instead we stopped to attend to much needed dog play time.

For me it’s time with the dog. For you it may be something else. But, I ask you what have you been meaning to do, but have been too busy? I promise work will always be there along with the bills and the mortgage. It’s a quiet week - take time for yourself. Maybe it’s a walk with the dog, an afternoon with a grandchild, or simply an afternoon with a good book. Whatever it is, take a little time this week for you.

Yea, there may be some great bargains at the mall, today. But, when is the last time you saw your breathe in the crisp, early morning winter air?

Posted by BearatHome at 11:07 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 23, 2007

Seasons Greetings . . .

It has been a little quiet the last few days ...

I imagine most folks are off doing some last minute holiday shopping (I actually spent the better part of the day finishing last minute wrapping).

For some folks, the holidays are challenging times. Please remember those who are less fortunate.  Sometimes all they need is someone willing to lend an ear.  Though we may share different traditions and be geographically dispersed, we are still a community.

As 2007 winds to a close, I want to thank one and all who supported us through the year. We met a lot of new friends and provided a sounding board on a whole host of topics.

Peace be with you and all of your families . . .


Your friends at Bear at Home

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December 20, 2007

A Tree of Memories

I remember my first tree.  I had just landed my first job and moved out of the house.  I had arrived.  I went with a little fake table top model; I was living in a studio.
 

I opted for a Victorian Motif – mother of pearl ornaments, cherubs, white lights and so on.  The tree looked picture perfect despite its diminutive stature.  It looked like a tree you would see in a shop window, not in a warm and cozy den.  Admittedly, I didn’t have a den, but isn’t that the idea?
 

20 some odd years later, our tree is a far cry from those early days.  Now, it’s a tree of memories.  Part of our holiday routine is going out to select the tree.  That one is too tall, that one is too sparse, and inevitably we settle on what we believe is the perfect tree.
 

Once in our home, the pine aroma fills the house – marking the start of the holiday season.  We string the lights and then it’s time – the ornaments!
 

It seems each ornament is a trip down memory lane.  “Remember when we got this on our trip to Alaska?”  - “This was our first Christmas together” – “I know your brother gave us that thing, but that has got to be the . . .”  We have our favorites, we have the ones that grace the back of the tree, but more importantly - we have our memories.

 

Here’s wishing warm memories this holiday season . . .

Posted by BearatHome at 11:38 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 15, 2007

Retro Holiday Decorating Tips

Are you dreaming of a Modern Christmas? Many Mid Century Modern enthusiasts are challenged at this time of year as to how to decorate their homes for the holidays. No need to fret - you can incorporate a festive look without sacrificing your MCM sensibility!

 

 

As a former vintage modern dealer and author of “Kitschmasland!,” a book devoted to Retro Christmas decor from the 1950s through the 70s, I have amassed quite a collection over the years. My partner and I like to mix these holiday decorations with our year-round collections.

 

You can do the same - look around your space for accessories that may translate easily into that “Atomic Yule” look. Ceramics or art glass in red, white, or green can be used as tablescapes with dramatic poinsettia arrangements. Fill up a modern glass cylinder vase with silver ball ornaments for a simple but elegant centerpiece. Display your vintage tin toy collection on shelves with other Christmas decorations or around the base of your tree. The possibilities are endless.


For interior decorating there are such classics as the 60s felt Pixie elf dolls for grouping on a fireplace mantle or dining table, small light-up plastic Snowmen and Santas - these are actually great displayed on a bathroom vanity or kitchen counter to add mood lighting for parties creating an endless assortment of vintage centerpieces for tablescaping, garlands, and more. You can even still find those cardboard stencils to make window designs with spray fake snow!

 

Outfitting your front yard can be just as easy: the larger sized plastic light-up lawn decor such as Santas, Carolers, Candles, Snowmen, etc., I found a large number of 60s toy soldiers to line our walkway on eBay. Always check the shipping charges on these listings - sometimes they can be more than the item is actually worth. Also, this year Walmart is offering a vintage style light-up plastic Santa that looks like the real deal. We found him in their garden department. Target has similar designs.

 

Also found on eBay are the paper posters to hang on your front door of Santa welcoming visitors. But you can be creative and do something more personal - covering the door with foil gift wrap, ribbon, and a huge bow is a very classic 50s/60s look and quite elegant (and inexpensive too!).

 

For lighting you can find the old school large outdoor bulbs to outline your ranch roof in classic vintage style. I have also seen some really cool homemade lawn decor from those periods which have a one-of-a-kind “folk art” look.

 

For your Christmas tree you can find stunning blown glass ornaments or the old standby “Shiny Brite” ornaments (Christopher Radko currently reproduces many of these designs), angel tree toppers, and those atomic looking sputnik ornaments from the 60s. Again, a lot of these are being reproduced by the more hip stores - especially Target. We always make several pilgrimages to Target during the holiday season - their displays, marketing, and merchandise never ceases to be brilliant.

 

One of our personal vintage Christmas collectibles is the line of Starry Eyed Santa ceramics by Holt Howard from the 50s and 60s. These whimsical little guys really have that atomic look - we display them in groupings on shelves along with other favorite Kitschmas items. Look for these on eBay or your favorite vintage shops.

 

If you really want to get some wonderful ideas for holiday decorating, look for vintage magazines and books from the 50s and 60s dedicated to this decor. Old “Better Homes & Garden” type magazines published yearly holiday issues that offered a huge assortment of craft ideas that you can recreate at home - kids love it too. And even better, you will most probably be the only one on your block to have them!

 

I hope this article helped to inspire you with your holiday decorating – next week we’ll discuss the perfect vintage tree...

 

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

 

Travis Smith

www.kitschmasland.com

www.goodeyeonline.com/design.htm

Posted by BearatHome at 02:17 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 08, 2007

The Perfect Sugar Cookie

Chef Tom

www.bearlyedible.com

 

It just would not be Christmas without the cut-out, iced sugar cookies. They are everywhere this time of year. Co-workers bring in trays to share. They are at reception desks and checkout counters. I’ll most likely receive gift boxes of holiday goodies where decorated Santas, Christmas trees and snowmen are the centerpiece of the cookies.

 

You have to realize that all sugar cookies are not created equal. I consider myself a connoisseur of cutouts. I’ve had cookie as hard as a board and some so soft that they crumble when you pick them up. The taste of these cookies is all over the board from floury to ultra sweet. I made it a mission to find that perfect sugar cookie.

 

In the late 70s a co-worker gave me her grandmother’s recipe for sugar cookies. I believe that it is the perfect recipe for cut-outs. It is soft yet firm. The sweet but not overpowering taste is the result of the perfect combination of sugar, butter, vanilla and sour cream. Even better, the recipe is almost completely foolproof. Give it a try this holiday season. You will not be disappointed.

 

 

Grandma’s Sour Cream Cutouts

Ingredients:

  • 2/3 cup butter
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 5 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 tsp. soda
  • 1 ½ tsp. salt

Instructions:

 

Cream butter in large bowl. Add sugar and eggs, beating until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and sour cream. Beat well.

 

In another bowl sift together flour, baking powder, soda and salt. Add to above mixture and mix well. Place in wax paper and chill several hours.

 

Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness on floured board and cut. Bake in a 400-degree oven just until light brown around edges. Cool and decorate.

 

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

 

Chef Tom

 

www.bearlyedible.com

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December 04, 2007

Tip of the Month - Visiting the Doctor

You’ll spend less time in a doctor’s waiting room, if you book the first appointment of the morning or after lunch.  The doctor hasn’t fallen behind in the morning, and often catches up over lunch.  If you are seeing a doctor who performs surgery, ask that your appointment not follow an operation.

Make nice with the receptionist, he/she is the gatekeeper.  A kind word now, may get you a much needed last minute appointment six moths from now.

 

Posted by BearatHome at 06:47 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 01, 2007

Tips for Holiday Depression and Stress

The holidays can be busy and stressful times that can easily overwhelm us all. Here are some tips for coping with stress and depression.

1. Pace yourself - The holidays can be busy and stressful times that can easily overwhelm us all. Setting realistic expectations about how much you can accomplish, how many gifts you can prepare, and how much time you can spend with friends or family can help you keep a sense of balance and control over your life. This is a time to celebrate with loved ones, not a marathon in search of "Tickle Me Elmo."

2. Pass on the Fruitcake - During the holidays we are surrounded by high fat, high sugar and simple carbohydrate foods and alcohol. Excessive sugar, alcohol and carbohydrates can exacerbate depression and cause blood sugar swings that can cause feelings of anxiety and depression. Make sure you eat regular healthy meals rich in vegetables, healthy sources of protein such as fish and eggs, and whole grains, which will decrease your cravings for sweets and fats and make it less likely for you to overindulge.

3. Give Visa a break - It's common for people to overspend during the holidays creating significant stress when the bills come in. Set a realistic budget for your gifts to decrease your financial burden. Remember, it's the thought that counts and thoughtful inexpensive gifts can be well received and appreciated. If the budget is tight, consider gifts from the heart - for example, a certificate for a foot rub or a home cooked meal.

4. Go for a walk - Regular activity helps us manage our blood sugar more effectively, improves energy levels, gives us a sense of well-being and relieves feelings of depression. If you can get some exercise outdoors, such as a brisk walk or a hike, exposure to the sunlight during this dark time of year can be very effective in curing the winter blues.

5. Hydrate - Drink at least eight 8oz. glasses daily. Water reduces our tendency to overeat and over-drink and increases our sense of well-being. Studies have shown that people who drink adequate water report fewer aches and pains, better energy levels, and improved mental function. Alcohol, on the other hand, is a known aggravator of depression. If you tend to overindulge in alcohol, try drinking a glass of water when you first arrive at a party and have another glass of water between each drink of alcohol through the course of the event.

6. It's about friends and family - Emotional support from friends and loved ones is a known critical factor in preventing suicide in people with severe depression. Connecting with other people is always important for all of us and especially for people with depressive tendencies. And when all that family time gets to be too much remember the immortal words of Ethel Watts Mumford - "God gaves us our relatives; thank God we choose our friends."

7. Do something nice for yourself - Get a massage or accupuncture treatment. Both of these therapies have been shown to help relieve stress and tension while improving moods. Acupuncture is especially useful for helping people manage mild to moderate depression. It has been shown to stimulate endorphins to improve moods and mental function and create a sense of well-being through its balancing effects. Only 20% of women with depression will receive adequate treatment, and since their role is often the social organizer around holidays, they often need extra counseling, acupuncture or nutritional support.

We hope you and your family take some time during the holidays to relax and look forward to the new year with a renewed sense of spirit. Happy Holidays.

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