Mantiques

This past weekend, I planned to go antiquing. Sometimes Chris tags along…other times he prefers to let me loose on my own. I often make lists of specific things that I am looking for, most of which is decidedly feminine. I rarely stick the list, but it is a reminder of the things I do need and/or specific measurements for furniture. This was one of the times Chris was tagging along.

I called out to Chris in the other room to chat him up about what he might be shopping for….

"Honey?", I called to get his attention.

"Yeah?", he replied.

"What is on your list?", I inquired, sounding interested.

"List, what list?", he questioned.

"You know, your treasure list. What kind of trinkets will you be keeping your eyes open for today? Anything in particular you will be searching for?", I explained.

" You mean frilly, girlie, lacy stuff like you buy? Hmm, I’d just love some Limoges plates with roses all over them, frou-frou Frenchie lace or I would adore some crystal perfume bottles", he teased in his high falsetto feminine voice.

"Perfect, I’ll put them on the list for you!", I managed to answer back.

"No thanks. I’ll be looking for money clips, cuff links, cigarette cases, old lighters…and tools. You know, manly stuff ", he said in his deep macho voice.

"Ohhhhh, so you’re going shopping for Man-tiques!", I cleverly replied.

We both burst out laughing knowing that I had just coined a new phrase in our home. From now on, when I go antique hunting, I will ask him if he wants to go Mantiquing. I think he much prefers the sound of that.

Photo: Masculine and feminine treasures, co-habitating peacefully.

World Nutella Day 2008

Yep. It’s that time again! World Nutella Day 2008. This year, it is February 5th. A time for all of us to ~~celebrate~~ worship Nutella. That thick, sweet, chocolaty, hazelnut spread. Goodness in a jar!

Unfortunately, I just missed the event last year. I didn’t know about it…or didn’t know about the bloggers that hosted the event. I did however, have a recipe I could have used. A Nutella dessert. You can read it about it here.

This year, my entry is a breakfast item. I present you……

Nutella French Toast

12 slices white bread or brioche
Nutella
5 eggs
2 1/4 cups milk
1 tsp cinnamon
splash of Grand Marnier
zest and juice of 1 orange
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp vanilla
powdered sugar

Make the batter. Whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, Grand Marnier, zest, juice, honey and vanilla in a large bowl. Spread equal amounts of Nutella on 6 slices of bread. Put another slice of bread on top, making a Nutella sandwich.

Heat griddle or pan on medium heat, melt butter in pané

Place each Nutella sandwich, one at a time, in the batter. Soak and turn to coat, but not for too long (you don’t want them soggy). Place each sandwich on the pan and cook until golden brown on each side. Cut each sandwich in half, diagonally. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup.

Serves 4. Each serving is 3 diagonal slices.

Enjoy! And please remember, this one is ooey-gooey, finger licking good. Don’t waste a morsel of this melted gold, called Nutella. I won’t tell if you decide to lick your plate clean….

Happy Nutella Day 2008, everyone!!

Treasures of the Sea…

I was born on Long Island. We often went to the beach when I was a little girl. My Mother used to call me her little water rat, because I never wanted to leave the ocean when it was time to head home. My fingers and toes were shriveled up, wrinkly prunes by the time I would finally surrender.

I still gravitate to the ocean. Always have. I am not, however, a beach bum. I really don’t enjoy laying on the hot sand, smelling my own flesh burning to a crisp. But I love the beach, the water, the ocean. It has a calming effect on me.

I much prefer walking up and down the sand, the foamy,cold surf gently washing over my feet and ankles, getting lost in the azure water, for as far as the eye can see. I love the sound the ocean makes as the tide rolls in and out. The salty smell in the air and the squawk of seagulls makes me feel like I am home. Calm and alive. My mind plays the song, La Mer.

It is no surprise to me, that while I stroll the coast, I hunt for buried treasure. Beautiful shells, colorful tumbled sea glass, broken coral, pristine white rocks and dark onyx black ones…smooth as silk from the ride they have been taking in the surf. Sometimes I must pounce quickly upon my prize as I watch the tide pulling it violently back under. Who will win…me or the sea? Only time will tell.

I love collecting these treasures and stuffing them in my pockets. I bring them home and have fun creating ways to use and display them.

In little vignettes around my home, they make me feel relaxed, connected to the water, the sea. The colors, all found in nature, work with any palette.

White, black, grey, blue, brown, peach and pink. Whole or broken pieces, no matter, they all mingle together in my home, like they mingle in the ocean. And bring back fond memories of the places they have been gathered from.

Photos: Treasures of the sea, collected along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, on display in my home.

« Previous Page