What is Paint Club?

Paint Club is a fun way to connect with friends and a safe way to get out of the house during this time of social distancing. It is proven that getting creative releases endorphins, it's a little boost of pleasure, resulting in a feeling of well-being.

We meet once a week at the Blue Heaven Studio for three hours of painting and socializing. We all wear masks and stay 6 ft away from each other. We all work on the same project taught by a professional artist who takes us through step by step from blank canvas to a work of art. Some projects are completed in one session, others are completed over several weeks. No set schedule dictates how slowly or quickly we complete the project. It's a very relaxed way to learn how to paint.

The Paint Club is best enjoyed with a drink in hand, so we take turns bringing a bottle and snacks.

The photos in this post are projects we have been working on recently. I've learned so much about paining over the last year, our instructor Dee Catallo is fabulous!

Cheers!
Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

Cast Iron Skillet Dos and Don’ts

A well-seasoned cast iron skillet takes time, patience and care. However, this does not mean that you need to coddle it like a newborn or tuck it into bed every night. Cast iron is a tough, versatile material that is exceptional at conducting hot, even heat, but it does require some maintenance. A new cast iron skillet is raw natural metal and, just like our skin, it has pores. When you heat this material, the pores open and absorb the oils and fats from what you're cooking. Over time, these oils combine with the porous surface and create an easy-release surface that is harder and smoother than cast iron is on its own. This process is called seasoning and it is much easier to do at home than it sounds. To help you get the most out of your pans (and keep them in good cooking shape), here are a few dos and don’ts to live by when it comes to cast iron.

Dos

• Use dish soap—really! A soft sponge and dish soap are not abrasive enough to scrape off all of the hard-earned seasoning on the surface of your pans. If you only rinse your skillet, bacteria can grow or grease residue can go rancid. For tough foods that a soft sponge can’t clean, try scrubbing your cast iron with a few tablespoons of oil, kosher salt and a paper towel. When the salt looks black and dirty, then rinse and dry well.
• Rub the cast iron skillet with oil before storing. After washing and carefully drying your cast iron skillet, use a paper towel to apply a very thin layer of neutral oil like soybean, flaxseed or vegetable oil. Store it until ready to use again.
• Season your pans twice a year. In addition to keeping your pans well-greased after cooking, it’s a good idea to give your pans a full seasoning twice a year. Lay a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom rack of your oven. Preheat the oven to 400°. Drizzle a few tablespoons of vegetable oil in your skillet and then use a paper towel to spread it evenly across the insides of the pan. Bake upside down on a rack for 1 hour. Let it cool completely in the oven.
• Use it on your grill. For the best crusty sear on a steak or a burger, you need surface area. Let your cast iron skillets preheat on your grill grate until they are nice and hot, then use them on the grill just as you would on your stove top. The cast iron’s flat, even surface will give you that perfect char while still getting the smoky flavor from the grill. Don’t have a grate? You can lay it right on top of the coals or burning campfire logs! Just be sure to have a long spatula and tongs.
• Use metal utensils. It's OK to use a metal spatula or tongs on cast iron—the seasoned surface protects the metal. The only exception is if you are cooking in an enamel-coated skillet. A metal utensil can scratch the porcelain.

Don't

• Put your pans away wet. This is a big one—water will gather in the bottom of the skillet and rust. This also goes for letting your pans air-dry on your stove top. If the cast iron is still damp after drying with a towel, set it over a low flame to dry out. If your pans do rust, gently remove the rust with a fine steel wool pad. Then rinse, dry and proceed with the seasoning process mentioned above.
• Put your pans in the dishwasher. A dishwasher is too harsh and can potentially strip the surface of your skillet.
• Let your pans soak. Keep your pan out of the sink until you’re ready to clean it. Excessive soaking can cause rust.
• Use it to cook acidic foods. According to Lodge cookware, acidic foods like tomatoes, beans and large amounts of citrus juice can potentially strip the surface of a skillet that is not heavily seasoned and make the food taste metallic. If you have a relatively new skillet, save these cooking jobs for your stainless steel or enameled pans.
• Let your pan get sticky. If the surface of your skillet feels sticky from oil, then the skillet isn’t properly seasoned and it can cause the fat on the surface to flake off. To fix this, lay a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom rack of your oven. Preheat the oven to 400° and bake the skillet upside down for 1 hour. Let cool completely in the oven.

Above first posted on Food & Wine Blog - 2020

My Recommendation: The Best Cast Iron Skillet - Lodge 12" $25.00

Lodge skillets are affordable and durable—with good care, they will last you a long time. These skillets come pre-seasoned, but I highly recommend washing and seasoning them before use. Bonus: They also come in all sizes. The 12-inch is great for roasting a whole chicken, but also stock up on the 3.5-inches for individual baked eggs or fruit crisps with a scoop of ice cream. Yummy!

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge

Sunday Stealing...

Welcome to Sunday Stealing. This feature originated and published on WTIT: The Blog. Here we will steal all types of questions from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent questions. (Past hosts include: Our first - Judd Corizan, Mr. L, Kwizgiver and Bud) Cheers to all of us thieves.

1. Do you think animals dream? Yes. I don't know if they dream like we do, but our dog moves and barks in her sleep.

2. Have you ever been to a fortune teller or psychic? Yes, I went with my BFF to Cassadaga, FL; well know for having many psychics and mediums, and has been named the "Psychic Capital of the World". All in good fun!

3. How important is it to have a low stress job? I work well under stress, but would prefer less in my job.

4. Do you always lock your house? Yes, always.

5. What do you do if you feel lonely? Take a road trip to visit friends.

6. Have you ever driven a sports car? Yes, Nissan Z300

7. Have you ever fallen down the stairs? Yes, and I have fallen UP stairs too!

8. What do you think about the death penalty? Yes, in most cases,  I am an "eye for an eye" person.

9. What do you think about animal testing? Totally against it. I worked at a sanctuary for Chimpanzees retired from research and saw the lasting impact the testing had on the chimps. This is Kareem, my favorite chimp in the Sanctuary.....

10. What are your neighbors like? We have great neighbors. Mountain folk tend to take care of one another. Much better than when we lived in the city.

11. Do you turn off the water when you brush your teeth? I try to remember to do that, but some bad habits are hard to break.

12. Are there any foods that you wouldn’t eat as a child that you now like? Beets and brussel sprouts. As a kid I only had the canned varieties, fresh is so much better.

13. Is it important to always tell the truth? Yes, but I sometimes lie by omission to save the feelings of others.

14. What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten? Poi, I just don't understand the need for this starch.

15. Do computers really help us save time? Yes and no. I can waste a lot of time surfing.

16. Do you have any tattoos? No... Not because I don't like them, I just have a hard time trusting the artist's skill with a forever work of art.

17. How do you feel about changing your nationality? Ask me this question again in November.

18. Would you ever buy a used car? Yes, I've had several gently used cars.

19. Have you ever gone on a blind date? Yes, several times, but it never got past the first date. Some were actually awful!

20. Do you believe there is life after death? I'm counting on it. There are a lot of people and pets I am hoping to see again.

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge

First Day at New Job.......

I had the opportunity to attend two week long classes at the John C. Campbell Folk Art School in Brasstown, NC. It was a wonderful experience and well worth the investment. I fell in love with everything about this campus and the people who love it.

I waited patiently for a position to open up that I had the skills for.  Finally a position was posted in November that I was qualified for. After a long interview process I was hired for the job! Tomorrow will be my first day. My title will be Development Coordinator.

Mrs. Olive Dame Campbell donated her homestead and created the beautiful campus. The school was founded to nurture and preserve the folk arts of the Appalachian Mountains, it is a nonprofit adult educational organization based on non-competitive learning. Founded in 1925, the Folk School's motto is “I sing behind the plow”. The Folk School has week-long and weekend classes year-round in traditional and contemporary arts, including but not limited to jewelry, fiber, blacksmithing, music, dance, cooking, gardening, nature studies, photography, storytelling and writing. 

The landscape is inspiring...

The studios are well appointed...

Classes are fun and varied...

The classes are beginner to advanced levels...

The class that got me on the path to my new job was precious metal clay jewelry. The instructor was Pam East – she is a precious metal clay artist who shares her knowledge and expertise. She is funny and interesting and a great teacher.   Here is a sample of my work:

I'll keep you posted on my adventure!

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge

Sunday Stealing...

Welcome to Sunday Stealing. This feature originated and published on WTIT: The Blog. Here Bev will steal all types of questions from every corner of the blogosphere. Her promise is that she will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent questions. (Past hosts include: Our first - Judd Corizan, Mr. L, Kwizgiver and Bud) Cheers to all of us thieves!

How do you like your eggs?Over very well done...crispy around the edges.

How do you take your coffee/tea:I never drink coffee, yuck!

Favorite breakfast foods:Banana pancakes, bagel with cream cheese, sweet and spicy bacon, and biscuits with sausage gravy. (Not all together LOL)

Peanut butter: smooth or crunchy?Honey Roasted Crunchy.

What kind of dressing on your salad?Blue Cheese

Coke or Pepsi?My preference is Diet Coke.

You feel like cooking. What do you make?Something for dessert. My husband is a chef, he does all the cooking. I do the baking.

You’re feeling lazy. What do you make? Call the pizza delivery.

You’re feeling really lazy. What kind of pizza do you order?HAHA - didn't read ahead, we get pizza a lot. Meat lovers personal pan pizza for me. 

Is there a food you refuse to eat?Broccoli - it's just not my friend!

Favorite fruit & vegetable:Beets and Clementines

Favorite junk food:Crunchy Cheetos

Favorite between meal snack:Fruit

Do you have any weird food habits:I don't like fish or chocolate for breakfast. 

You’re on a diet. What food(s) do you fill up on?An apple, popcorn, or sugar free jello.

How spicy do you order Indian/Thai?mild

The perfect nightcap?Chocolate Martini - Yummy!

Cheers!Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

Tuesday 4....

Hobbies and Interests Tuesday 4 Questions....

1. Do you have a hobby or a special interest?  Do you quilt, crochet, cook, sew, collect things, sing, play an instrument, love dolls , politics, learning, reading, biking, hiking, camping, swimming, flower arranging, watching TV? Do you love to entertain, set a beautiful table or just take a walk? Share it with us won't you? Why do you enjoy it? Can you tell us how you became interested or what particularly interests you about your hobby.

I love camping; it has been my favorite hobby for about 35 years. I started with a very small pup tent camping on the Hawaiian Islands while in college. I upgraded to larger tents several times over the years, and camped all over the USA with friends and family. My husband and I made the decision to trade in our tent for a travel trailer about two years ago. It allows us to pick up and go on the spur of the moment...Love it!

We also coordinate and lead "Glamping Trips" to state and national parks. We provide a comfortable camping event for friends and guests. Some favorite locations are Cloudland Canyon in North GA. Big Creek in North Carolina, and Kings Canyon in CA.

2.  Gardening is a hobby for some. Do you garden or grow house plants? What do you like about it? What are your favorite plants inside or out? Pictures? We'd love to see  photos of you house or garden plants or hear about ideas you have for growing things or creating beauty with plants around the house.

I love digging in the dirt. Flowers in the yard make me smile and give me great joy. I also enjoy the textures and colors of Hostas in the shady spots on our property. My favorite plants are the magnificent varieties of hydrangeas. 

3. If you could design a dream garden or park , how would you do it? What would it contain.? Maybe include a picture from the net of one you think closely fits your dream garden.
It would be filled with hostas and hydrangeas, many rocks for texture, a rock lined stream, and seating for relaxing in the garden. Something like this....

4. Do you like being outdoors? If so, what attracts you to the great outdoors and if not, what keeps you inside? Do you walk in the rain? Are there parks near you that you like to visit?

The outdoors is my happy place. Walking in the woods, sitting on the beach, watching the river rush past, or strolling through the park are some of the ways that I relax, reflect, and recharge. I do not walk in the rain, I walk in the sun. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is only a few hours away; it is a wonderful park filled with magical places to explore.

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

Four questions weekly....

1. Where have you traveled and what is the furthest you've been from home

My career allowed me to travel coast to coast in the United States and Canada. I've also traveled outside of North America: Europe, The Caribbean, Central America, and The Pacific Islands. I think Istanbul Turkey is the furthest that I've been from home.

Istanbul, Turkey

2. Is there a location other than where you are, that you think would be a nice place to live?

If cost was not a factor I would have several homes. A summer home in Camden, Maine, a winter home on the coast in Florida (possibly Key West), and a vacation home in Santorini, Greece.  

3. Do you have a photo or story from a favorite place to visit?

I love Architecture; Key West, Florida is home to one of the largest collections of intact 18th century homes. The Key West historic district, with quaint tree lined lanes and stately mansions, is a national treasure to be savored.

There are many other reasons why I love Key West; the tropical setting, the gardens, the locals, the artsy feel of the community, the seafood, etc...etc...! Too many to list.  I Love Key West!

Key West, Florida

4. What dream destination do you have tucked away in  your heart? Do you think you'll be able to visit them one day or are plans in the making?

I've always wanted to visit the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island in Michigan.  When I was young I lived outside of Chicago and the Grand Hotel was a vacation destination within driving distance.  But we never traveled there as a family and after College I never returned to the Midwest. Someday I will get there.....

The Grand Hotel

Cheers!
Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

Sunday Stealing - 09/08/19

Welcome to Sunday Stealing. This feature originated and published on WTIT: The Blog. The hosts steal all types of interesting and intelligent questions from every corner of the blogosphere. Our task is to answer the questions and learn a bit about each other.

1) What is the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

Many years ago I was accidentally hit in the face with a baseball bat (full Swing). My face was cut open by the sunglasses I was wearing and I had a concision, my short term memory was affected.  I had no family in the area and I hadn't made many friends yet in my new state. So many people stepped in to help me (I was out of sorts for a month): co-workers, hospital staff, casual acquaintances and surprisingly my ex-boyfriends family.  I felt blessed that so many people stepped up to help me, it was one of the nicest things anyone has done for me.

2) What is the most fun thing you have ever done?

I went on a 14 day cruise to Europe. I loved the trip and saw so many sights in a very short time span. Granted, I was exhausted after running full speed for two weeks, but it was a wonderful trip and so much fun!

3) Are you left-handed or right-handed?

Right handed, but I can use both without much thought.

4) What is the biggest animal you’ve seen in the wild?

Humpback Whales, they were everywhere in Alaska. I also saw a very large grizzly in Alaska.

5) What is the smallest animal you’ve seen in the wild?

I was sitting on a log in the redwood forest writing in my travel journal. It was quiet and magical due to the light streaming in at an angle through the giant trees. I looked to my right and found a tiny mouse sitting on the end of the log with me.  The little mouse looked so out of place in this giant landscape. We sat peacefully enjoying each others company, it was a wonderful moment in time. 

6) Do you ever have funny dreams at night? 

I don't think so, they are usually strange.

7) If you could make a law for your country, what would it be?

Free healthcare and affordable prescription drugs for all citizens. 

8) What would you do if you were invisible for a day?

Sneak in the Biltmore House and see all the wonders of life in the Gilded Age. I would play "Queen for a Day".

9) If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be?

Oprah - "you get a house, and you get a car, and you get a vacation, and you get a makeover, and you get a boat, etc...". I would love to fulfill the dreams of others.

10) What would you like to change about yourself?

I'd like to have more enthusiasm when it's time to down size...we have too much stuff!

11) What would your perfect day be like?

Waking up in an exotic tropical place, breakfast served on the balcony overlooking the water, a day of relaxation and pampering, a sunset dinner on the beach with tiki torches and fine wine with each coarse, and then snuggling with my sweetie in our over water bungalow, listening to the waves as we drift off to sleep. Perfection!

12) What makes you nervous?

The idiot in the White House and everything he is doing to destroy the country.

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

I Love Coconut....

Today is World Coconut Day!

Nobody knows exactly when the first coconut popped out from a palm tree, but specialists say that the oldest coconut fossils were found up to 55 million years ago in Australia and India.

Comfortably growing along the coast between 26 degrees north and 26 degrees south of the equator, they serve as a dietary staple for nearly a third of the world’s population.

In ideal conditions, one coconut palm tree can produce 75 fruits annually. However, if the land is not fertile enough or if the temperature isn’t consistent, a low yield would be around 30 each year. When coconuts mature, they automatically drop to the ground. Yes, falling coconuts can kill people, and are frequently compared with the number of shark attacks in the world, but don’t worry both statistics are very low and please don’t let that deter you from hugging a coconut palm tree!

You can’t make a piña colada or a decent Thai curry without it, its water makes a great recovery drink, and its fibrous husk, when burned, repels mosquitos — these are just three of many excellent reasons to celebrate World Coconut Day on September 2.

World Coconut Day Activities:

1.   Crack one open

It’s a lot of fun to crack into a real coconut, and no, you don’t need a machete. There are a number of methods, so check out some YouTube videos. Whichever you choose, be sure to save the coconut water before prying out the sweet meat for snacking.

2.   Cook something different

If you have only ever had coconuts in tropical drinks and macaroons, get acquainted with the savory side of this fruit. Try your hand at a coconut-based curry, coconut shrimp, coconut-lime rice, or even coconut-crusted onion rings!

3.   Throw a tiki party

Now that you have all these coconutty delights, why not host a Polynesian-themed party? They’re best held in the backyard, where you can light the area with tiki torches. Provide leis and/or grass skirts, decorate with orchids and tropical fruit, and play some festive ukulele music to get guests in the mood. Don’t forget to put umbrellas in the drinks...Cheers!

Yummy! A fabulous, moist coconut cake studded with vanilla beans is filled and coated with a coconut meringue buttercream frosting.

INGREDIENTS:

FOR THE CAKE:

•  2¼
  cups
  cake flour
•  1¼
  cups
  granulated sugar
•  2
  teaspoons
  baking powder
•  ½
  teaspoon
  kosher salt
•  ¾
  cup
  unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into 2-inch pieces
•  6
  egg whites
•  1
  cup
  coconut milk
•  1
  cup
  sweetened shredded coconut
•  1
  vanilla bean
  (split in half lengthwise)

FOR THE FROSTING:

•  1½
  cups
  granulated sugar
•  6
  egg whites
•  1½
  cups
  unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into 2-inch pieces
•  1
  teaspoon
  vanilla extract
•  ¼
  teaspoon
  kosher salt
•  ⅔
  cup
  coconut milk

FOR THE GARNISH:

•  1
  cup
  sweetened shredded coconut

DIRECTIONS:

1. Make the Cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans; set aside.
2. Sift the cake flour into the bowl of an electric mixer. Add the sugar, baking powder and salt and beat on low speed for 15 seconds to combine. Add the butter pieces and beat on low speed for 1 minute, or until the mixture is coarse and crumbly.
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg whites, coconut milk and the 1 cup shredded coconut until combined. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the mixture and whisk to thoroughly incorporate the seeds throughout the mixture.
4. Add half of the coconut milk mixture to the dry ingredients and beat on medium-high for 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, add the remainder of the coconut milk mixture and beat on medium speed for 30 seconds, or until the batter is well-mixed, light and fluffy.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the tops are firm and golden brown and spring back when pressed lightly in the center. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans on a wire rack.
6. Make the Frosting: In a small, heatproof bowl, whisk together the sugar and egg whites. Place the bowl on top of a saucepan with about an inch of simmering water (do not let the bottom of the bowl touch the water). Heat the mixture, whisking occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the mixture is hot to the touch and the sugar is dissolved.
7. Remove the bowl from the heat and transfer the mixture into the bowl of an electric mixer. Using the whisk attachment, whip on medium-high speed for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the mixture becomes a light, white meringue and the mixture is cool to the touch. Reduce the speed to low and add the butter a couple of pieces at a time. Increase the speed to medium and mix for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the butter is thoroughly incorporated and the frosting is smooth and glossy. The frosting may initially look curdled after adding the butter, but continue beating and it will come together, looking smooth and creamy by the end of the mixing time.
8. Add the vanilla extract, salt and coconut milk and whip for another few minutes on medium speed, or until the coconut milk is thoroughly incorporated and the frosting is smooth. Again, the buttercream may look thin and separated, but continue mixing until it comes together. It will be more of a satin-like consistency, versus the thick powdered sugar frostings that are often used.  Note: Use the frosting within 30 minutes, or transfer to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 1 day, then beat with a mixer (using the paddle attachment) until smooth before using. You can also store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, then bring to room temperature and beat with a mixer (using the paddle attachment) for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth before using.
9. Assemble the Cake: Remove the cooled cakes from their pans and level the tops, if necessary. Place one cake layer on a cake stand and top with 2 cups of the frosting, using an offset spatula to spread it evenly to the edges.
10. Place the second layer on top, top-side down. Spoon 1 cup of the frosting onto the top of the cake and use a large offset spatula to spread the frosting on top and over the sides of the cake, covering it with a very thin layer (this is the crumb coat). Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
11. Use a wooden spoon to mix the remaining frosting to lighten it up since it has been sitting. Spoon it onto the cake and spread it evenly over the top and down the sides. Use an offset spatula to create a smooth finish. Press the 1 cup shredded coconut onto the top and sides of the frosted cake. The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
12. Cheers!
13. Lori in Blue Ridge, GA
14.