Valerie's Workshop

Well, yesterday marked the day of Super Bowl XLV. Being the Wisconsinite that I am, and a "bit" of a Packer Fan, it was sort of an important day. What better way to celebrate then by eating some SUPER sinful , Super Sunday Snacks? I was stuck at work all day and wasn't able to cook but was delighted by the smell of the house when I got home. John had just finished making a batch of bacon wrapped water chestnuts and I had not yet a decent meal.  I made sure to sample one for quality control purposes and then put them out of my mind until the game started. Once the balls started flying and the helmets started smacking, we reheated the chestnuts, mixed some brandy & cokes, and enjoyed our snacks while watching the Packers kick A*@. After an amzing dinner of rib-eye steaks and couscous and an even sweeter Packer's victory, we got to enjoy our appetizer as a completely over the top, yet amazingly tasty dessert (sure to win the heart and stomach of any man). So p...

February in Wisconsin can lead people in all different directions. Some people get cabin fever and head to the hills to launch themselves downward with a couple of fancy 2x4's strapped to their feet, or to the lake to freeze their tuckus while praying a fish bites. Some folks head to the kitchen, cooking vats of chili and baking dozens of loaves of bread. Others suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder and keep quiet until the light and warmth of Spring lift their spirits. I, un fortunately, fall somewhere in between all three. But no matter what time of year, no matter what my mental state, nothing picks me up quicker then a few minutes of tinkering in the kitchen. This past week we had one heck of a blizzard dumped on us in Madison, with 18+" of snow falling over two days (into a city that was already loaded with snow). Rather then wasting the day away on the couch, I cooked. I roasted a pumpkin and made a new version of pumpkin soup, surprised myself with a no-recipe, no-c...

Something I'm starting at work ( Wisconsin Cutlery ) is a photo blog entitled "From Valerie's Kitchen". Each post will feature an item I've recently baked using products found at Wisconsin Cutlery and, of course, a recipe! The first edition is a recipe for cranberry orange scones.  Cold Wisconsin winters lead to large appetites for comfort food. One of my favorite comfort food is scones, and what better to stuff into a baked good then cranberries and oranges zest?! So read on, get inspired, and if you live in Wisconsin, bake a batch of these so you can enjoy them during the blizzard! Recipe for Cranberry Orange Scones (based on a BHG Limited Edition Cookbook recipe) Prep: 20 minutes Bake: 12 minutes Oven: 400° F Makes: 8 scones Ingredients: 2/12 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons sugar 4 tablespoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup butter (salted), cut into pieces 2 beaten eggs 3/4 cup whipping cream 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped ...

2011 has arrived, January has flown by and before we know it, Scott and I will be celebrating our first anniversary (any suggestions on a gift for him to celebrate the special day?). It's amazing how fast time flies by when you're having fun! We barely stop moving these days. This time of year if we're not at work we're either playing in the snow, working on another concoction in the kitchen, ice-fishing the lakes of Wisconsin, thrifting or chasing Bodie around the house.  Here are a few photo highlights of the things that have brought me the most joy lately: - A shelf I build out of an old kitchen drawer -  - re-purposed brick bookend -  - growth chart, tree style -  Some of my projects are edible. - donuts, pre-fryer - (no post photo available as they were devoured as soon as they were cool enough to eat!)  - rustic Italian loaf on it's way into the oven - (with these dogs around, it's a wonder that more food doesn't go missing!)  - cranberry o...

Hello all!  In just over a month, November 12 to be exact, the first Rooted in the Outdoors Art Show will be taking place at Rutabaga, in Madison. For the first time since college, I'll be contributing artwork to an art show and I am completely excited for the chance! Below is the photograph that I will be enlarging, matting and framing for potential purchase!  Enjoy. Hope to see you at the show ... November 12, 6-9pm at Rutabaga . Also of note:  I'm working on making wooden christmas ornaments that I plan to sell on Etsy this Holiday Season. I will post more info as they become available!

Interested in the Fall savings at Rutabaga? Or how about one of my latest graphic design projects? If so .... click here !

One of the consulting projects I work on is a semi-monthly e-newsletter for Rutabaga , a locally owned paddlesport shop in Madison, WI. Below is a link to the latest version of the newsletter. Enjoy! Rutabaga Labor Day Sale Newsletter