tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60730901176949365612024-03-04T23:26:11.575-06:00The Polymath ChroniclesStacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.comBlogger333125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-26197875309063267962020-06-15T14:07:00.002-05:002020-06-15T14:07:32.754-05:00Hello Chickens, long time no see! I hope you have all managed to follow me elsewhere for updates.<br />
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I am poking my head up here because I am doing an auction fundraiser as part of the national bake sake for Bakers Against Racism.<br />
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OFFICIAL <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/bakersagainstracism?__eep__=6&source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDRLPPTfXYaXw4reOj_CVXSISRCvriAddM_Gta6Tgrr6ASP5BJTwGgu5K5YItsFwxgYLaDFheFd2_ayWTNkRKVHp5WidpfUoJsxSXYev9_z7IvR6Bus4y0x46d-Apzj-YgAoxZR_6swwxBIlg0vRkeCjnusuvMpg3fqsCEdYSLVxvmmJ4mabr-rRpwoaJ97sApmREXhX9aMbrlsticFiIvgRxrcatHV9UtJC6qhlxZW9_BtGkgnVSg93As8ktU2OVqCs6Dn65DX3XXKFLuvKqzpF-uraRfkuZ_VhIgp7o6nlHbwl_yK67OaQ4Rw7b_6RkAk8EIICWjpz1r4uC3N5KvLog&__tn__=%2ANK-R" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #365899; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">BAKERSAGAINSTRACISM</span></span></a> AUCTION IS NOW OPEN! </div>
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Winner must either reside in Chicago (or have a friend or family member or business in Chicago to gift the package to), or be willing to travel to Chicago to pick up monthly, shipping is not possible. </div>
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The winner of this auction will receive over the course of one year, beginning July 2020 and ending June 2021:</div>
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A monthly package of baked goods (suitable for a minimum family of four) from a Black-owned bakery here in Chicago, which may include: Brown Sugar Bakery, Schweet Cheesecakes, Justice of the Pies, Downstate Donuts, Frosted By Ope, Cooking with Curves, Laine’s Bakery, Shawn Michelle’s or others. </div>
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A monthly loaf of sourdough bread baked by me. (OPTIONAL BONUS: If the winner would also like a piece of my sourdough starter, that will also be included, along with my care and feeding and baking instructions.)</div>
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A copy of Cheryl and Griffin Day’s “The Back in the Day Bakery Cookbook” so that you can be making your own fabulous baked goods.</div>
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A signed copy of one of my books.</div>
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A $500 value!</div>
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TO BID:</div>
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Go to my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/staceyballis1/posts/?ref=page_internal">Facebook Author page</a> Place your bid in the comments section. </div>
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Bidding begins at $300.</div>
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All proceeds will support:</div>
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My Block My Hood My City</div>
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“My Block My Hood My City offers opportunities for young people in under-resourced neighborhoods to access amenities not typically available to them. Their programs encourage youth to explore different neighborhoods, cultures and cuisines. The organization also offers opportunities for young people to get involved in STEM programs, volunteering, civic engagement, and community development.”</div>
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Stacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-2376508512967566022019-10-05T09:44:00.002-05:002019-10-05T09:44:40.897-05:00Please Follow me Elsewhere!Chickens-<br />
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It has been long time since I have chatted with you all here, so I have no idea if any of you are even still reading.<br />
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But if you are, HI! I've missed you.<br />
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In part I have missed you because I have been writing so much elsewhere that it hasn't left me any time or bandwidth to keep up with you here effectively. For any of you who do not currently follow me on other outlets, I have been doing a tremendous amount of food writing for outlets like MyRecipes.com and Food&Wine Magazine and The Chicago Tribune and others.<br />
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And yes, I am also working on a new book.<br />
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Charming Suitor and I are rattling around most happily in the house and still marveling that we actually got it finished, and catching up on hosting friends and family.<br />
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I've gotten very involved in an organization of women leaders in the culinary fields called Les Dames D'Escoffier, and am proud to be serving as the President-Elect of the Chicago Chapter.<br />
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So my ability to maintain this site with any sort of consistency has been enormously compromised.<br />
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I'm not shutting it down because I want the archives to live on forever, and I never know when I might have something I need to get off my chest that requires a more personal touch. But as you can see, it is not going to be with any regularity.<br />
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But I am writing every day, and if you want to read all the musings and recipes and cooking and entertaining tips? You can keep up with me at the following social media outlets:<br />
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instagram @stacey.ballis<br />
facebook.com/staceyballis1<br />
twitter @staceyballis<br />
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My work for other places gets linked and often cross-posted on these. If you want to know what I am cooking and eating in real time, Instagram is the place for that. Facebook will always have all of my articles posted and linked for easy access as well as any book appearances. And I'm still occasionally being snarky over on Twitter.<br />
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I hope to see you all at one or more of these outlets, and I promise, for anything really big like a new book release will still populate right here.<br />
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Thanks for being out there, and I hope you are all well.<br />
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Yours in good taste,<br />
The PolymathStacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-1561106862903420002018-03-28T10:30:00.002-05:002018-03-29T19:34:33.001-05:00The Final House Post!<div class="MsoNormal">
Chickens-<o:p></o:p></div>
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Can you even believe it??? It is the final house post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is it, after four years and three months, we have all made it through together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like college, but without the bad dating decisions and over-consumption of cheap booze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have graduated, and before I show you the final pics, I just want to thank you all for taking this journey with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's been huge fun to have you all along for the ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And now that the house focus is done, I’ll be back to periodically offering recipes and entertaining tips, and whatever other flotsam floats through my little head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have any requests, just let me know! And if you are not already, please take a moment to follow me on Instagram @stacey.ballis since these days the majority of my daily connections are happening over there. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So, the third floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or as I think of it, SANCTUARY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Charming Suitor and I realized that we were actually undertaking this insane project, we knew two things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we wanted our home to be a gathering place for friends and family, a home away from home for those who wander, a safe haven, and a place for celebrations large and small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have dear friends who sometimes need to come stay for weeks instead of days, and we are looking down the road at the possibility of having family in residence for a certain percentage of the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we planned the spaces to accommodate that easily and comfortably. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The second important thing we knew we would need was a direct response to the first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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An escape hatch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Because as much as we love our friends and family and filling the house with people?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We love each other more and needed to be certain that whatever insanity was happening here, we would have a place that is just ours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While CS likes to joke that he wishes I had fallen in love with a two-flat and not a three-flat back in 1993, the “bonus floor” meant we could create an entire level of the home that has no public spaces at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The third floor became our focus, and we started to think of it in terms of an oasis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We knew the bedroom and master bath would be up there, and the closets obviously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decided on a laundry room for ease, and then put CS’s office/music room there as well, since rocking out is a nice way for him to relax and unwind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We put a cozy area for two to sit and watch TV, and a comfy place to curl up and read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A beverage center, so we don’t have to go back downstairs for a drink once we have gotten into our jammies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An escape for us is also a measure of comfort for our guests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are a whole floor away, so they never need to worry that if they want to watch TV late into the night, or if they are early risers that they will disturb us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proximity is lovely as long as you can choose it and not have it foisted upon you!<o:p></o:p></div>
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So here is our master suite level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We designed it in the mode of a luxurious hotel suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went with calming colors and soft fabrics and generous sizes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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This is the bedroom, which is separated into three areas, the sleeping area, the TV area and the turret, which we think of as the reading/relaxing area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the first time I’ve ever had a TV in the bedroom, and while I would never want one facing the bed, it is nice to be able to cozy up and watch something before bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love this soothing blue-gray color, North Star from Sherwin-Williams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It changes with the light, getting bluer in sunlight and grayer in the dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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This is the top of the stairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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We call this the domino nook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As in one domino fell and took the rest with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It started with CS needing hallway access on his side of the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We realized halfway through construction that since we couldn’t move plumbing to create an en-suite bathroom, that the toilet was halfway down the hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the way we did the bedroom, and the placement of the sleeping area meant that CS would have to walk twice as far to get to the bathroom just to get out of the bedroom!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since we are middle-aged people with nocturnal needs, and that won’t lessen as we age, we realized that a second method of egress from the bedroom was necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which meant adding a door on his side of the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which I hated, because then you would walk up the stairs and be faced with a random door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I suggested we do one of those hidden bookcase doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which CS liked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then we realized a random mid-hallway bookcase would also be suspect and strange, so we would need to build out a larger unit of which the secret door would be part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we had this lovely unit, but in a very narrow hallway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I asked if maybe we could bump out the hall over the stair for a larger landing, so that we could put in a small sitting area facing the new bookshelf unit….you see what I mean about dominos???? At the end of the day it was a smart move, CS loves both the function and form of his secret door, the nook at the top of the stairs is lovely, and while it turned out to be a not inexpensive solution to a basic problem, it also became an architectural feature that we both love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it allowed me to hang and highlight this painting that my grandparents received as a wedding gift.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjl47Xzv9oTWoQ5I_-aFfWimkdfkdkSR_Vx1IGdRMa1s47itTwAsA74Gvi3HqeZ7Vjidbke1G6dWjPL901slYhw1lI6iB4SLKGkO_faYlzmxtT1VpsFygvg6kdeJxOm0sn5oaQXfpP-2N/s1600/iCIbGR4xRam8JRFVtT110w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjl47Xzv9oTWoQ5I_-aFfWimkdfkdkSR_Vx1IGdRMa1s47itTwAsA74Gvi3HqeZ7Vjidbke1G6dWjPL901slYhw1lI6iB4SLKGkO_faYlzmxtT1VpsFygvg6kdeJxOm0sn5oaQXfpP-2N/s400/iCIbGR4xRam8JRFVtT110w.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2f2mO-Sm3t_lXermtfocGgSKVr-R0ny_tCvqWcPeX4pMryKgJPkQXLnCNCzzPKtt2ofjUVZSsGFY8xBGRPBnELs5p_aAf_AKL70KwZshvl9DpRw7FzzKWMi3A__iPEnyEQpeFFM3DfYR/s1600/imOhiuQaTA%252BKrSy7DD7wEQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2f2mO-Sm3t_lXermtfocGgSKVr-R0ny_tCvqWcPeX4pMryKgJPkQXLnCNCzzPKtt2ofjUVZSsGFY8xBGRPBnELs5p_aAf_AKL70KwZshvl9DpRw7FzzKWMi3A__iPEnyEQpeFFM3DfYR/s400/imOhiuQaTA%252BKrSy7DD7wEQ.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Here is CS’s dressing room.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNW9OmA3N866s7mEmQzfaVthcbBHeq91DMrVQnhwfiR_C0DBEddALHIb6bYqqnX3ukcKVfVk1fngSb4SeQ1DnSLnYwpbRW0ftse5xDdNxoaBG3TazKQ5sslSdT-_6XA93e2ZqQrT0GUTrv/s1600/71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNW9OmA3N866s7mEmQzfaVthcbBHeq91DMrVQnhwfiR_C0DBEddALHIb6bYqqnX3ukcKVfVk1fngSb4SeQ1DnSLnYwpbRW0ftse5xDdNxoaBG3TazKQ5sslSdT-_6XA93e2ZqQrT0GUTrv/s400/71.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And here is mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still love getting dressed in here, it just feels like shopping at a little boutique full of stuff that already fits me!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggF1TnweV12DGT4Hx94RA_2yXHeya4WYtHkkYLIeGpRXuUytf2qdqkK1JWtKoS4d_cOcGBuTHu-pjLrsFNqccwVEPlzlkd9bqbVgixbWwemSsDzt86Be7ufeqraItqU6pGsvxa1jI5O5x4/s1600/70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="1600" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggF1TnweV12DGT4Hx94RA_2yXHeya4WYtHkkYLIeGpRXuUytf2qdqkK1JWtKoS4d_cOcGBuTHu-pjLrsFNqccwVEPlzlkd9bqbVgixbWwemSsDzt86Be7ufeqraItqU6pGsvxa1jI5O5x4/s400/70.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is the commode room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two things I don’t love about bathrooms…I don’t love having to do hair and makeup in a room filled with shower steam, and I don’t love the toilet sharing space with the rest of the bathroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So an independent room that deals with both issues in one fell swoop seemed a great idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because it is dual function, it is a bit bigger than the usual “toilet only” half-baths, which is nice, and it gives me a place to indulge in girlie primping without accidentally spraying CS in the eye with hairspray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xXysFv2KEaGIn_Fdf6x4BkFKVRhrIB7MgjxrbOy04FKZEO6zQlYGWqug4HvD17qeuQZNXtkdp5IWjUWI0CKsI9a5FXTWUTYi11-GnIkEc_fOIs3sDZgs7BZm-N786_xSUQnbSRidTUFa/s1600/72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="1600" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xXysFv2KEaGIn_Fdf6x4BkFKVRhrIB7MgjxrbOy04FKZEO6zQlYGWqug4HvD17qeuQZNXtkdp5IWjUWI0CKsI9a5FXTWUTYi11-GnIkEc_fOIs3sDZgs7BZm-N786_xSUQnbSRidTUFa/s400/72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3eteMwXuB8jKE598cKp-q7SejKBBStqgIHCwDtI5qWXtKQZT8EvEUVN3VT7GAttYqrtLFhtra2Km9Vp1v3B6X3ctZa2Nq9zDaB6-aZU2QgYh8YUH8OGK6QGO9vcWochQ809IeAw4Sbt0/s1600/73.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1556" data-original-width="1600" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3eteMwXuB8jKE598cKp-q7SejKBBStqgIHCwDtI5qWXtKQZT8EvEUVN3VT7GAttYqrtLFhtra2Km9Vp1v3B6X3ctZa2Nq9zDaB6-aZU2QgYh8YUH8OGK6QGO9vcWochQ809IeAw4Sbt0/s400/73.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is the Master Bathroom, my personal haven of long bathtub soaks and spa-like showering, and the extra benefit of his and hers vanities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The vanities area is special because the sink creates its own counter for seamless cleaning and the generous drawers meant no need for any other storage needed in this room, both from Duravit. </span>We put in heated floors in the wet area of the room, and because this section of the bathroom is all marble and tile we didn’t have to put a door on the shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRB6mVNOTQcAXOu8diu-cOCWM8_vhdkGqaHhOONzLo8hBd0MIDupggQoj_ft4iGwQ_M_0M83NLOc9S6SROsknOTM83pUtLenFr4MekefzZAzlod1ZSCTV7lplhTdQrEZF0gptGZ8FWlagf/s1600/74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="979" data-original-width="1600" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRB6mVNOTQcAXOu8diu-cOCWM8_vhdkGqaHhOONzLo8hBd0MIDupggQoj_ft4iGwQ_M_0M83NLOc9S6SROsknOTM83pUtLenFr4MekefzZAzlod1ZSCTV7lplhTdQrEZF0gptGZ8FWlagf/s400/74.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQkHSSJK50Q2Uk7mqCSW78B9BYZrBsBZWrOk8A7bu2T6tIlvb0hJkBPJLr4ADJX_TZb5_7gmWC6NJrqZDNY7CoRcHNPpnrwAh9pKExkkQZZjQgxBCbj_abIAidMw5l-hL1SE780Y0CYpn/s1600/75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQkHSSJK50Q2Uk7mqCSW78B9BYZrBsBZWrOk8A7bu2T6tIlvb0hJkBPJLr4ADJX_TZb5_7gmWC6NJrqZDNY7CoRcHNPpnrwAh9pKExkkQZZjQgxBCbj_abIAidMw5l-hL1SE780Y0CYpn/s400/75.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnFjnzEJDrJ-dWjmI4D6PLQ_3ax_xq-zGKmMcGn9wdQfgwYCig2N5feTfeFpp9VXp-_FXSQ7RXt1sFBbsPgh4-kyJAkmyexvgmOS6rkyEjbImKOsH-d51qwtqO1LI820McvrIVMywEeBs/s1600/121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1125" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnFjnzEJDrJ-dWjmI4D6PLQ_3ax_xq-zGKmMcGn9wdQfgwYCig2N5feTfeFpp9VXp-_FXSQ7RXt1sFBbsPgh4-kyJAkmyexvgmOS6rkyEjbImKOsH-d51qwtqO1LI820McvrIVMywEeBs/s400/121.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUJbR5VNKM_9ygqWIyCiyPgY19CUS80c0cl23fINzQ3tJ0diyLmXursrSDZnSrK8KBdL-ebYP8-67zrUBeiD19zeE4d2PtXIgXFZa39qIb1VA4EtxtdZkzqqN6PeMAHquYL7spNUMkxpp/s1600/122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1600" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUJbR5VNKM_9ygqWIyCiyPgY19CUS80c0cl23fINzQ3tJ0diyLmXursrSDZnSrK8KBdL-ebYP8-67zrUBeiD19zeE4d2PtXIgXFZa39qIb1VA4EtxtdZkzqqN6PeMAHquYL7spNUMkxpp/s400/122.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCGxiYJTXfHbZ4148zIcja7Q-eGi8xLmboaZpCJVGKVvKZfS5PhpRyaPL2RbvgHOHL0mRceaBJepouJaS43_32dDNYDIhuIyr6xUKbJ3SsbLcsLry7j5ykxk3dYr48OwV0NsWdBjjA6GS/s1600/123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="1600" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCGxiYJTXfHbZ4148zIcja7Q-eGi8xLmboaZpCJVGKVvKZfS5PhpRyaPL2RbvgHOHL0mRceaBJepouJaS43_32dDNYDIhuIyr6xUKbJ3SsbLcsLry7j5ykxk3dYr48OwV0NsWdBjjA6GS/s400/123.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is the laundry room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a place devoted to an annoying and endless bit of life maintenance, it is bright and comfy and has a lot of storage.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUiceZZaElUKEWIWQ1BmpnC_8vbQPaO-k_AmNjkVfuJrbGb3oOVsPlaPyOiMV-9zbeYR_-MJzA5zandP6nFrtGUcEIcZ9kX8gAO6PlKyASkw-QQBNwzD3OMm3SNVShmOtItnzz5l3Alb2/s1600/3u3wnmcZRqiFuoKemx%252BOAg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUiceZZaElUKEWIWQ1BmpnC_8vbQPaO-k_AmNjkVfuJrbGb3oOVsPlaPyOiMV-9zbeYR_-MJzA5zandP6nFrtGUcEIcZ9kX8gAO6PlKyASkw-QQBNwzD3OMm3SNVShmOtItnzz5l3Alb2/s400/3u3wnmcZRqiFuoKemx%252BOAg.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-xvWRg1IG80vxSx9ECKtnVl4Dn1E7KwE3OWoEDOHFhFd7c6Vt3y6AHv9y6Gzf-RSR1qMEmA5J05yUg_eFdXsbt2xywjWgSWup2zbfmSOGinp7sqy3HbiCZUMlkybZNTx_DH3KE4jIswq/s1600/7%2525b81M%2525yR0ihLimzfu7iKw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-xvWRg1IG80vxSx9ECKtnVl4Dn1E7KwE3OWoEDOHFhFd7c6Vt3y6AHv9y6Gzf-RSR1qMEmA5J05yUg_eFdXsbt2xywjWgSWup2zbfmSOGinp7sqy3HbiCZUMlkybZNTx_DH3KE4jIswq/s400/7%2525b81M%2525yR0ihLimzfu7iKw.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This is CS’s office/rocking out room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We gave it a closet and a full bathroom, just in case someday we need full-time live-in help, we can convert it to a caregiver suite.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwljpu1shuGmWZ26l7vSs5CxccuYfRc_S_cLRpC64qqHauFU7xQJLJ9-Q7mkD_Tzyu9vJW_MbP9b5qZJXJIc5FyeXDcwGJ1pJe5hvpwuiD19X0bwyreF_DkZhaHRAoE0bZCtXQdY8IOJA/s1600/76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwljpu1shuGmWZ26l7vSs5CxccuYfRc_S_cLRpC64qqHauFU7xQJLJ9-Q7mkD_Tzyu9vJW_MbP9b5qZJXJIc5FyeXDcwGJ1pJe5hvpwuiD19X0bwyreF_DkZhaHRAoE0bZCtXQdY8IOJA/s400/76.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is the bathroom for CS’s office, we were able to use up the extra tiles from the first and second-floor bathrooms in here for a very affordable yet stylish space!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVA0DxBijQmmerQYqpySxQrEdNXIb03jznLZMR2QamrImqSQoDpXALcme6WEynQ4MdkRj36P2QCMwCW7n_3rQHu9MWn2B0B1f8puxY3wmeeURjaz_5dIOda1yA1fLtGY6umFGhS9gH7V4w/s1600/120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1600" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVA0DxBijQmmerQYqpySxQrEdNXIb03jznLZMR2QamrImqSQoDpXALcme6WEynQ4MdkRj36P2QCMwCW7n_3rQHu9MWn2B0B1f8puxY3wmeeURjaz_5dIOda1yA1fLtGY6umFGhS9gH7V4w/s400/120.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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That’s it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The whole kit and caboodle!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks for hanging in there with us…stay tuned for posts about how we are actually living in the spaces now that it is finished.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now for some thank yous and acknowledgments. </div>
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First and foremost, our General Contractor Patrick King and Project Manager Dennis Leary. They are family to us, and this house is a testament to their skill, passion, commitment and extraordinary hard work. We know we couldn't have done it without them, and we wouldn't have wanted to. Chances are if you spot a special detail anywhere in this old girl, they had a hand in devising and executing it. </div>
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Our architects at 2RZ, Bill and Colette Rodon-Hornof for listening to what we said we wanted and giving us what we needed. I think sometimes there is nothing worse for an architect than a client who claims they just need someone to draw the vision they have devised in their head. And which is worse, I'd been living in this building and dreaming of this conversion for over 20 years! But they heard us, went with us, and helped guide us to a plan that was exactly what we needed. We'll be forever grateful, especially for the places they nudged us away from our own ideas into things far more practical!</div>
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Our friends and family, who put up with dinner parties surrounded by boxes and racks of coats in the dining room, and dusty visits, and endless conversation. While we made every effort to have things to talk about besides the project, we know you all have put up with a LOT of house talk and we appreciate your patience and look forward to getting back to movies and TV and books and frankly anything except construction and politics. And special love for our dear friends Amy and Wayne Gould, whose generosity can be seen in pretty much every room in the whole house!</div>
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Our guru of all things soft-goods, Beth Laske-Miller who showed up like a miracle one day to do clothing alterations and ended up in a constant stream of upholstery projects and window-treatments and ENDLESS throw pillows. And her partner in crime Gregg Fishman and the team at Fishman's Fabrics for providing all the materials, and always finding us the perfect fabric to execute a vision.</div>
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Rachel and Rick Boultinghouse for the upholstery work on the walls and ceiling of my office...every day when I go to work it is like getting a hug from you guys!</div>
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Larry Cabay at Studio 41 for getting 5 1/2 bathrooms kitted out with just what we dreamt of, and within our budget.</div>
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Rachel Abramowitz and her team at Fine Line Tile, and New Ravenna tile company.</div>
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Kais Zaiane and Gaggenau for helping us with the warming drawers, induction cooktop and in-counter steamer.</div>
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Leah Kalemba and the team at Aga/Marvel/La Cornue for assisting with the downstairs stove and hood, all refrigeration, and our miraculous rotisserie.</div>
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Jeff Roberts, Marcy Tucker and the team at Poggenpohl for helping to make the all-important main kitchen exceed our every expectation of both functionality and beauty, and literally saving us from ourselves. I shouldn't do math. That's all you need to know about that.</div>
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Tom and the fabrication team at StoneMasters countertops for performing miracles, and Robert Oraha for talking me off the ledge and being the best possible lunch companion. </div>
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All of the people we worked with at Cosentino for the countertops for all of their support and guidance, Cosentino came in on this project at the very beginning and stuck with us all the way thru.</div>
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Blanco for helping us with all kitchen and utility sinks and faucets.<br />
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Jack and Michael and the entire team at XFINITY, for getting us technologically right. This is a complicated place, and between landlines and internet and cable and home security, with 10 televisions, and 10 telephones, and 2 cameras, and all the window and door sensors, spread out over 4 levels, all of which need excellent WiFi coverage...I know it's popular to hate on them, but they were amazing throughout this project. </div>
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Our painter Jesse Velez and his team from Different Strokes, we know this project was complicated with paint colors and finishes and a lot of new stain work that had to blend seamlessly with stain from over 100 years ago. We won't even mention the high gloss dining room or purple staircase. We love you guys and your work was impeccable always.</div>
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Molly and the team at Ely-Wyn for custom furniture.</div>
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We worked closely with the following companies on finishes and fixtures, and cannot recommend them all highly enough. Vinotemp, Bluestar, Gaggenau, Miele, La Cornue, Marvel, Aga, Duravit, Blanco, Wetstyle, Cosentino, Silestone, Dekton, Poggenpohl, World Flooring, To the Top Elevators, Sherwin-Williams, Xfinity, StoneMasters, Different Strokes Painting, Fine Line Tile, New Ravenna Tile, Kohler, Toto, 2RZ Architects, Fox Valley Stairs, and of course, King Konstruction.</div>
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If you are doing your own renovations? You have our unqualified recommendations on all of these fine companies and their products and services.</div>
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Yours in Good Taste,<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Polymath<o:p></o:p></div>
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Stacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-51364093053670901622018-03-26T10:21:00.000-05:002018-03-26T10:21:14.670-05:00House Reveal Part 3<div class="MsoNormal">
Chickens-<o:p></o:p></div>
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Welcome to another installment of the final house reveal!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today will be mostly pics, since the second floor has been fairly exhaustively covered on the blog previously, but I wanted to give a quick run-down of the main elements for you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For starters, it is finally time to reveal the staircase!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you all know, when this was a three-flat, the stairs were not ideal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was one long run going from the first floor to the second, and another from the first to the basement, and winders everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As my klutziness is well documented, winders are a very bad idea, especially as I get older and my footing becomes, god help me, even less sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is no nimble-hooved mountain goat, your Polymath, and falling down the stairs is not a nice way to spend one's golden years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And stairs are important in this house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In terms of design, literally the one element that transforms it from three apartments into a single cohesive home is the staircase, so we needed to get it right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And which is more, we needed it to look original.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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From a design perspective, that meant strong woodworking elements, like newel posts with a lot of trim detail, elegant handrails, and an all-wood stained staircase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a complicated thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are carpeting your stairs, as most new construction homes do, the staircase just needs to be functional, the wood sturdy not necessarily pretty, and they can go up in a couple of weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not so for a custom artisanal staircase where the wood has to be gorgeous and pristine, where the stain has to be an exact match to the woodwork in the rest of the house. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Fox Valley Stairs to the rescue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have been doing these kinds of staircases for years, and the moment they presented their design to us, we knew they understood the project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were able to match the design of the original newel posts we had removed, incorporated generous width to the stairs and large landings, so no more winders, as well as lovely details like gooseneck railings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was very disconcerting to live with a 40-foot hole in the middle of my house for a few months, but the end result could not have been more spectacular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our painter Jesse and his terrific team did a layering effect with several colors of stain to match the depth and patina of the original woodwork in the house, and our flooring guys at World Flooring gave the landings some punch with custom inlaid patterns.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When it came to our part, we had one major design element to address.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Way back, in the beginning, I had said to my Charming Suitor that the grand staircase is usually where the chateaus and manor houses hang all those gilt-framed oil portraits of the ancestors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He asked politely if I had any of those lying about, which I had to confess I did not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was equally bereft of Old Masters capturing his people back in the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we both loved the idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we started collecting other people’s ancestors to hang in the stairwell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were going to need a backdrop color that really highlighted them, and we knew we wanted some real depth of color in the stairs, and CS suggested eggplant purple, which is my favorite neutral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just goes with everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The color, Majestic Purple from Sherwin-Williams, really shows off both the stairs themselves and the artwork to great effect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On both the first floor and second floor we installed these gorgeous console tables that were a gift from dear friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are the perfect spot to drop the little items we are forever moving from floor to floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We topped it off with a large brass dome pendant light.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is my office, the main highlight of which are the walls, which my bestie Rachel and her husband upholstered in moss green velvet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes the room super cozy, and deadens all outside sound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I confess to doing most of my work on the antique daybed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I schlepped the stripe fabric back from Paris, and our upholstery guru Beth Laske-Miller made the cover for the mattress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The antique hospital bed table works wonderfully for my laptop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But despite working mostly on the bed, I do love my desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The piece is from the 1830s, and has all the fun cubbies and hidey-holes that anyone could want.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The den is the room we live in the most, it serves as our daily hangout spot and where we entertain for casual evenings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved doing the custom sofa in the turret, it is a great spot for pre-dinner cocktails and the big gray sectional is a terrific flop around couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And all of our little trinkets and treasures like to live in the converted architectural file table.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is the Paris room, our guest room for single people under 5’8”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s the thing about an antique bed, people were much shorter then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m tempted to put up a sign that says you have to be LESS than this tall to ride this ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is a cozy fun little room, and the people who have used it seem to have enjoyed it so far.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is the Hampshire room, the other guest bedroom on this level, and the scale is quite<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> a bit grander.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Here is the bathroom on this floor, CS designed it as a meditation in white, mostly reproductions of period tiles and fixtures, and a very zen place to make one's ablutions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fixtures in here are all Kohler.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDHUyAmpegXDSPBkitFGuW3X_-QgXTUBxLmTEzGQodmpeY9G7oEoDQZj8DZNNbT96FP41I6n2qBtz6nyo4XUmfpqMe7umHa-82ZUmMXz3Xn39HhFQ-njyUMBWXzw7IVVl3Ag9_jQ13MeG/s1600/109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1434" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDHUyAmpegXDSPBkitFGuW3X_-QgXTUBxLmTEzGQodmpeY9G7oEoDQZj8DZNNbT96FP41I6n2qBtz6nyo4XUmfpqMe7umHa-82ZUmMXz3Xn39HhFQ-njyUMBWXzw7IVVl3Ag9_jQ13MeG/s400/109.jpg" width="357" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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And of course, the kitchen, which we have covered to the nth degree here, so I will let the pics speak for themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIG36Mbu1xV9yrdJGP9A5s9V0JPudiWVHYqricXP2GJ1bub6aVI6A7lrqIybZVm8kZVuihiklCUuEVnt7TdAKr3fMHnYsEMCykLS40yEKldn9_ELbOsYWX5Mq7OAM96LmGSD2iiEUurv0/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIG36Mbu1xV9yrdJGP9A5s9V0JPudiWVHYqricXP2GJ1bub6aVI6A7lrqIybZVm8kZVuihiklCUuEVnt7TdAKr3fMHnYsEMCykLS40yEKldn9_ELbOsYWX5Mq7OAM96LmGSD2iiEUurv0/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ76N8GtpV1Tinm4DRe6gSaCRbVRXcQNs-CZgr8iZEycLE8jzd-1_z89UngYrAqzQZhYlYqqGkrm-7sVN6f5GazCkV76QEw7hdWAgjW4_CIe4rENQILq3s5j8IzT2z513-v7Fe20a2AUQv/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ76N8GtpV1Tinm4DRe6gSaCRbVRXcQNs-CZgr8iZEycLE8jzd-1_z89UngYrAqzQZhYlYqqGkrm-7sVN6f5GazCkV76QEw7hdWAgjW4_CIe4rENQILq3s5j8IzT2z513-v7Fe20a2AUQv/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a reminder, on the big ticket item front, the cabinets are Poggenpohl; the countertops are Dekton from Cosentino; the ovens, gas range and hood are all BlueStar; the induction burner, steamer and warming drawers are all Gaggenau; the rotisserie is La Cornue; the refrigeration is all Marvel; the dishwashers are Miele; and the sinks and faucets are Blanco.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stay tuned and we will head up to the fourth and final floor…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yours in Good Taste, <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Polymath<o:p></o:p></div>
Stacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-72528237916775573372018-03-19T08:30:00.000-05:002018-03-19T08:30:10.129-05:00House Reveal Part 2<div class="MsoNormal">
Hello Chickens, and Happy Monday! Hopefully none of your brackets are busted...</div>
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Now that you have all seen the most formal space in the house, I thought we’d pop downstairs to the basement for the least formal spaces!<o:p></o:p></div>
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A lot of this will be a repeat for those of you who have been with us since the beginning, but since the basement was the first level we completed, it seemed worth revisiting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here is the landing at the bottom of the stairs, which became a very convenient little museum of odd things.<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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The stairs also created this little nook that we made cozy.</div>
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The media room, as you might recall, was one of the more energizing projects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Two and a half years later and we still love hanging out down here with pals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is an ideal spot for movie nights and game nights and sporting events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The color on the walls is Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn, which might be my favorite charcoal gray ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the Walter E. Smithe red couch still looks new even two years later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beverage center is Marvel, and we are always shocked at how much it actually holds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Chicago flag is vintage, it used to fly over Navy Pier when it still belonged to the Navy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the painting which inspired the whole design of the room is an original by my dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The work out room continues to be the nicest possible place to do the least fun thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Charming Suitor, as you all know, is a serious wine collector, and so the wine cellar was a space we really needed to get right!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Vinotemp did all the custom racking as well as providing the equipment that maintains the temp and humidity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the bottles are sleeping happily, as is the country ham.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our contractors did all the details like reusing the lath from other areas of the space that got demoed for cladding the ceiling, and creating trim and wainscoting out of the old staircase we removed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Geniuses!<o:p></o:p></div>
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We loved having this bathroom as our primary bath for eighteen months while we waited for our Master Bath to be done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoD2K_31ScnZoMHuD4FjNXkliWsTPBdL7C10SpqctH2RCYtf6ChDgu9ZFksGPfYJAH2cTeZHrObl-I8b5WqY9YSyinKVqMCBFy-m4Q60id5O3sNK2nK16yY5d-b_xIxusz40HWGQ8wsm8F/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoD2K_31ScnZoMHuD4FjNXkliWsTPBdL7C10SpqctH2RCYtf6ChDgu9ZFksGPfYJAH2cTeZHrObl-I8b5WqY9YSyinKVqMCBFy-m4Q60id5O3sNK2nK16yY5d-b_xIxusz40HWGQ8wsm8F/s400/15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Guests really like this bathroom, with the giant soaker tub and walk-in shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the long Wetstyle trough sink, which gave us the functionality of separate faucets without the look of two bowls, which isn’t my favorite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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This is the smaller of the two guest rooms down here, and we went with something of an Indochine look, starting with a British iron and linen campaign bed, and then bringing in lots of Asian touches.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is the larger guest bedroom.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The rest of the basement is devoted to storage and mechanicals, but we love that it is almost like a little apartment down here for when friends or family need to come for extended stays!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We’ll be headed up to the second floor in a few days, so stay tuned!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yours in Good Taste,<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Polymath<o:p></o:p></div>
Stacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-46683303193353616002018-03-14T14:17:00.001-05:002018-03-14T14:17:32.472-05:00Final house reveal begins!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Chickens, my dearest </span>darlingest<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> chickens, I have the best possible news.</span></div>
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The house?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is finished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Done, finis, fin, stick a fork in her, and in us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Four years and three months of dust and debris and never really being alone in our home, and we survived!<o:p></o:p></div>
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We could not be more delighted and are thrilled to announce that this year we won Preservationists of the Year from the Logan Square Preservation Society for our work on the home, a humbling validation of this project.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So I will be devoting the coming posts to introducing you to our freshly refurbished old girl, room by room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no way to capture all of what the house has become in one post, not without losing the details, so I thought the best way to handle it would be to go floor by floor, so that you are taking the grand tour in manageable bits.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we begin at the beginning…<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is the vestibule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tile floor, marble wainscoting, and plaster crown molding are all original to the building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To the left of the Italian Arts and Crafts hall tree is where there used to be a door to access the upper apartments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily for us, our tile guy was able to carefully remove the marble from behind where the hall tree now is and shift it over when we eliminated that door, so it looks seamless!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Above the little settee are the original speaking tubes, one of which is reconnected and actually can talk to the wine cellar!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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This is the foyer with the new entry closet which was carved out when we changed the stairs to enter into the living room instead of the vestibule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both Charming Suitor and I have an insane volume of outerwear, because, Chicago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So having this generous front closet is a godsend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pier mirror was salvaged from another local building from the same era, and fits right in!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost everyone thinks it is original, which is what we love.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As you all know, when I fell in love with this building in 1993, I had no control over it being a three-flat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CS would have much preferred a two-flat, but the “extra” floor allowed us to do two things that now we wouldn’t have wanted any different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first was giving us this first level to be devoted to formal entertaining space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know how much we love to host, and this allows us to do so at scale and without impinging on our day-to-day living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can have a big party down here, and then disappear back upstairs and put the first floor back together at our leisure and not feel like we are having breakfast in the detritus of a party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The second is that it allowed us to create a private bedroom level with no public spaces, more on that in a future post.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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This first level is comprised of the formal living room, dining room, library, large and small butler’s pantries, prep kitchen, bathroom and powder room.</div>
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This is the formal living room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I loved pulling this room together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The color on the walls is Sherwin-Williams Hearts of Palm, a soothing celery green color that brightens the space and provides a great backdrop for the art and deeper colors of the furniture and rugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The armoire was the first major piece of furniture CS and I bought together, on a trip to New Orleans, and it holds much of my entertaining equipment, and a ton of table linens and the like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The furniture is mostly consignment store and flea market finds, all beautifully reupholstered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our pal Gregg Fishman at Fishman’s fabrics was always on deck to help up find the perfect textiles for every project, and everything you see in this room from the furniture to pillows to window treatments all came off the bolts at Fishman’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our soft-goods guru Beth Laske-Miller was in charge of doing the hard part, thank goodness!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t sew to save my life and my upholstery skills are remedial at best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beth gave much of the furniture new life, dressed up all our windows, and CS dubbed her our personal pillow purveyor!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The light fixtures were originally giant lampshades that we converted to pendants.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is the library.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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For me, it serves two essential functions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One, it houses the magical collections of words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t yet been able to really get in here and organize them, it is a major project that I will tackle eventually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they are all here with room for more, which makes me super happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second, it provides a lovely ante-room for the bathroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a personal pet peeve about bathrooms that open into dining spaces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The entrance to the bathroom was originally in the hallway, but when we reconfigured the dining room, it would have essentially opened right up on the table!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we moved the entrance into the library so that guests have that extra bit of privacy, and anyone waiting for their turn has a nice place to sit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found the antique light fixture online, and CS was a rock star installing my collection of vintage Florentine gilded wood trays on the ceiling for an unexpected pop of interest.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I love this bathroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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It is so over the top, the colors are so saturated, the space is just crazypants in a great way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sink was the starting point, a gorgeous brass art nouveau piece called Lilies Lore from Kohler, and the custom marble tilework is all New Ravenna, found for us by our tile magician Rachel at Fine Line Tile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wall color is Oceana from Sherwin-Williams, in a high gloss finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The vanity was an antique dresser gifted us by dear friends. Who says bathrooms have to be boring?<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is the dining room...</div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">The dining room is the first room I ever really imagined in a new configuration when I moved in 25 years ago.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">The built-in china hutch was just a staggering piece of craftsmanship, and knowing that it had a twin on the second floor got me dreaming of a long dining room flanked by the two.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"> In order to achieve this dream, we absorbed what used to be the master bedroom in this unit into the exisiting dining room, and removed the second china hutch from upstairs and reinstalled it opposite it's brother. </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">The table we had to have custom </span>made,<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"> since 18 feet is a lot more than you can find at your local furniture store.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Thank god for the Amish!</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">They have big families and recognize the need to seat everyone at one table.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">It also allowed us to have the table made on the narrow </span>side,<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"> since while the room is </span>verrrry<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"> long, it isn’t terribly wide.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">The table is actually just a </span>6 foot<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"> table with 12 one-foot leaves, so it is very flexible in terms of seating.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"> You might also notice the mismatched chair collection. The table seats 24, and frankly, I think a giant table like this with 24 matching chairs would look a lot like a conference room. So we have gathered pairs and sets to suround the table, all wood base with some upholstery, all the same general height. Once we find all of the right ones, (some of these are not really perfect or as comfortable as we want) we will have Beth reupholster them in matching fabric. </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">The color is Obstinate Orange by Sherwin-Williams in high gloss, and while it reads a bit red in these pics due to lighting, in real life it is a deep true orange and a totally energizing color. The tray ceiling is a burnished metallic gold from Benjamin Moore to reflect the light from the chandeliers with a warm glow.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">The chandeliers themselves CS found at Columbus Architectural Salvage on a business trip to </span>Ohio,<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"> and they were originally installed in a private </span>Catholic<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"> school in the 1890s.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">We love the drama of them!</span><br />
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And no, before you ask, CS and I have not had dinner at opposite ends of it a la War of the Roses!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p>This is the large butler's pantry.</o:p></div>
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This room was originally a small back bedroom that over the years served as everything from a guest room to an office to kitchen storage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needing as much storage for entertaining gear as possible, we converted it to a large butler’s pantry, bar and buffet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can use it to stage for parties, serve buffet style, and be the main bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> But the pocket doors mean we can close it off if we aren't using it for an event. </span>The wall color is a favorite of mine, Black Fox by Sherwin-Williams, I think it looks like really good dark chocolate, and we extended it into the small original butler's pantry and kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The pocket doors our contractor made from regular doors that were original to the building, and he made the transom out of scrap trim. It looks totally original!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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This is the small butler’s pantry that is original to the building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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The sink is also original, we just reconnected it to the plumbing so that it is functional again! The little desk underneath is an antique salesman's sample that my grandfather gave to my grandmother as a gift, and is a good place to store hand towels and small supplies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Powder room:</div>
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This used to be our food pantry!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love this tiny powder room, and it is great to have a second bathroom on this floor for big parties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The color is Perfect Gray from Sherwin-Williams.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is the prep kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I still have trouble believing it was my only kitchen for 23 years!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decided against doing any cabinets other than the sink base, since we didn’t really need the storage, and wanted the room to be very usable and flexible for myself and for caterers or guest chefs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We splurged on the Aga stove and hood, since that gave us five burners and two ovens plus a broiler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, I mean, COME ON!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look at it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yummy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did the single sheet of back-painted glass as the backsplash for ease of cleaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We love our Blanco Sinks and faucets upstairs in the primary kitchen, so we reached back out to them to kit us out for this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We did a commercial three-drawer refrigeration unit, and topped it with a custom wood piece from our friend Tim. The marble island is a treasured antique, originally the counter in a bakery in France, it has surprisingly good storage, with two small drawers and open shelving behind, and three long drawers on the side, the top one contains a bread guillotine, in case you want to buy half a baguette! And yes, it is sharp as the dickens. British stove aside, we have lots of French touches in this little kitchen, things we have brought back from our travels, especially our copper pots and pans.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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That is the whole first floor!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stay tuned for a trip down into the basement….<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yours in Good Taste,</div>
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The Polymath</div>
Stacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-62186082248552584602017-11-06T10:11:00.001-06:002017-11-06T10:11:30.911-06:00Annual Thanksgiving Post with Recipes and Giveaway!<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is my most favorite time of the year! The sweaters and adorable jackets are out, the boots and tights have reappeared and the best food of the season is about to get underway. For those of you following along on the house progress, I will say that we will be DONE by Thanksgiving (for which I am so thankful I can barely speak) and will be filling you in on everything between now and the new year! In the meantime, here is my annual Thanksgiving post. If you stick with me, and this is a long one, there is a really cool giveaway at the end!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have posted this piece, adjusted slightly year by year, since 2009. The essentials don’t change much. The sentiment changes not at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This year is once again dedicated again to the loving memory of my grandmother Jonnie, who left us a year ago August, I’m reasonably certain so that she could watch the Cubs win the World Series with my grandfather, and not ever have to live in a world where Trump is President.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jonnie is the reason I cook, the reason I gather loved ones around my table, the reason that when there are four for dinner I make enough for eight because abundance rules and one can always do something interesting with the leftovers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonnie taught me Thanksgiving, in every permutation of that word and holiday and philosophy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They say that the human body completely renews all of its cells every seven years, every seven years you essentially become a brand new person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while my family Thanksgiving has stayed effectively the same, my recipes have slowly shifted from the ones Jonnie taught me, little changes in technique or ingredients, so that now, while the meal is effectively the same, it has also become as much mine as hers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I no longer do her turkey with the buttered cheesecloth over the breast, and I don’t stuff the bird the way she did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mashed potatoes now include sour cream and chives, and there is significantly less brown sugar in the sweet potatoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve given up the green bean casserole in favor of creamed spinach, and I make milkbread rolls instead of her yeast rolls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her orange sherbet jello mold recipe has not been changed a whit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The various parts of the whole remain the same; the traditions are there, deepened a bit, adjusted, but still full of memory and still honoring what came before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This will be the 25<sup>th</sup> Thanksgiving meal I have cooked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be the second one that I will have to do without eleventy million phone calls over the weeks leading up, going over the menu, telling her about some new thing, some new dish. I still pick up the phone to call her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jonnie loved this post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She re-read it every year, and every year she would call me and tell me that she just loved my Thanksgiving advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I always said of course she did, since most of it I learned from her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The world in which we live has changed so much since last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It feels scarier, less secure, less connected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone seems on edge, quick to anger or tears, folding in on themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the state of our politics has caused rifts and disconnects between family and friends and it becomes harder day by day to remember the good and the happy and the blessings which continue to be many even if they feel harder to touch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So this year, I’m trying really really hard to be extra-thankful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankful for all the usual suspects, my family and friends, my health, my home, a job I love and all of my lovely chickens who read and connect and keep me going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thankful that my holiday table will be surrounded by the faces of those I love, and that the buffet will groan with deliciousness, and I’m deeply profoundly thankful that Jonnie taught me how.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m thankful for those who have been challenged and tested, who have lost love and lost loved ones and keep going, the first responders who seem to be even more needed these days, the communities recovering from disasters both natural and man-inflicted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thankful for those who feed, the people who put food on the table for their nearest and dearest, and for strangers, those who get raucous groaning boards loaded in celebration and those who get basic nutrients to those who cannot source it for themselves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m thankful for those who speak up, who speak truth, who face down bullies and despots and dictators, for those who march and call and write.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thankful for every one of those voices that represent so many who feel unable to speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thankful for life and breath and love and light and hope that if nothing else, you all have those in abundance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here is the advice I share with you every year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is mine, and Jonnie’s, and I hope, now, yours.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As a passionate home cook, Thanksgiving is my grail, my marathon, my Everest. The ability to pull it off well is a source of pride, and no moments of my year are as purely pleasurable as the brief silence around the table when everyone tucks into their plates, followed by gradual exclamations of rapturous delight. And while there is always something a little bit new or different every year, the basics stay the same, and I’ve gotten a lot of it down to a science. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But science doesn’t mean clenched perfectionism. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With all due respect to Martha, you don’t need twenty-four matching turkey shaped bowls for the soup to taste good, you don’t have to grow your own cranberries, or even make your own pie crust (or pie for that matter) for this day to be wonderful. Good food, prepared with love (or purchased with love), and served with a smile is all anyone needs for the holiday to be sublime…to each at the level of his or her own ability. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For those of you who are thinking of tackling the big day, I’ve got some tips to help you out. The most important thing about Thanksgiving is right there in the name, be thankful. If you burn the turkey, eat all the side dishes and proclaim yourselves temporary vegetarians and laugh it off. If you are with your people, whatever that looks like for you, then you are doing it right, the rest is just details.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if at all possible, set yourself up for success with some simple advice and simpler recipes.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whether you are having a huge event with five generations, a gathering of your best pals who aren’t able to be with their own families, or just a small dinner with you and your sweetie, there are ways to make this day less stressful, and more joyous.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Firstly, know thyself. Do you regularly make your own puff pastry, serve towering flaming Baked Alaskas, and finish your sauces with homemade demi-glace? Then find any challenging menu that inspires you and have at it. But if you burn the toast four days out of ten, this isn’t the time to try anything complicated. Keep things simple, and don’t be afraid to get help with the hard stuff or fiddly bits. People love to participate, so let guests bring something to take some of the pressure off you. If you’ve never made piecrust, buy a good quality frozen crust. Look at local prepared foods sections of grocery stores and see who is offering side dishes and do a tasting the week before. If Whole Foods is making a killer stuffing, there’s no shame in serving it. Does gravy make you nervous? Add five or six whole peeled shallots to the roasting pan along with your bird, and simply blend them into the de-fatted pan juices to thicken it easily without all that tricky flour business. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Secondly, know thy audience. You might be a major foodie, but is Aunt Marge? No point in fussing over individual pumpkin soufflés cooked in hollowed out roasted quinces with vanilla bean tuiles unless the rest of your guests will think it as awesome as you do, and not wonder dejectedly where the Entenmann’s Pumpkin Pie with Cool Whip is this year. You can take the essentials and just make them with the best ingredients you can get, and know that you have improved, even if you haven’t monumentally altered. Or think of it as a retro meal, all the rage these days, and revel in the kitschy quality of making the recipes the old way. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thanksgiving is also a great time to connect with your family members who cook…call Mom or Uncle Al and ask for advice and recipes, they’ll be flattered and you’ll be amazed how many great tips they can give you.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, if you’re getting ready for the big day, here are Stacey’s (via Jonnie) Thanksgiving Commandments:</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1. Thou shalt buy a fresh turkey from a butcher, and dry brine before roasting. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I know Butterball seems like a good idea, and awfully convenient, but they are so filled with preservatives and water and other unnatural stuff, they don’t really taste like turkey. Call your local butcher and order a fresh turkey for pick up the Monday before Thanksgiving. The bonus will be that you won't have to thaw it! Take it home and dry brine for two days, essentially giving it a good salting and slapping it in a large Ziploc bag to hang out. I recommend the </span><a href="http://food52.com/recipes/15069-russ-parsons-dry-brined-turkey-a-k-a-the-judy-bird"><span style="color: #cccc66; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Food52</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> recipe for this. Then cook as you usually do. You’ll be delighted with the moist, well-seasoned results.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2. Thou shalt discover how easy it is to make awesome cranberry sauce.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Cranberry sauce is not just the easiest part of the meal; it can be made up to a week in advance. It’s the perfect thing for even a reluctant cook to offer to bring to someone else’s meal, or an easy addition to your own. (and yes, I know some of you love that shimmering jiggling tube with all the ridges, and if you must, have some on hand…but do at least TRY homemade…you can always serve both)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3. Thou shalt not be ashamed to make the green bean casserole with the Campbell’s Condensed Soup.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Sure, I’m a foodie-slash-crazy-person, so I make my cream of mushroom soup from scratch before assembling the ubiquitous casserole if I’m going that direction…but honestly, it’s a tradition for a reason, the original recipe is pretty comforting and delicious in its own way, and easy to make, so even if you consider yourself a major gourmet, pull out the processed food version and serve with a smile. Ditto sweet potatoes with marshmallows.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> And by overdo, I mean serving any if you can help it. You’re going to spend at least two days cooking for this meal. Let your guests be hungry when they get to the table. Keep your pre-dinner nibbles to small bowls of nuts or olives or pretzels or the like, think basic bar snacks…you just want your guests to have something to nosh on with their pre-dinner drinks, but if they fill up on hors d’oeuvres you’ll all be sad when you get to the table and can’t manage seconds. (this is good advice for any dinner party…either plan heavy hors d’ouevres and a light supper, or vice versa)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you must do soup, despite the fact that all good Thanksgiving soups are guaranteed to fill up your guests overmuch, plan on little espresso cups or dainty tea cups during the cocktail hour and not bowls at the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Serving a soup course adds a level of stress to getting the buffet out that no one needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I make soup because if I don’t make the soup my family pouts, and the leftovers are great all weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I don’t do a soup course, they get just about three to four lovely sips to go with their pre-dinner bubbles, and when we get to the table, it is turkey time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5. Thou shalt not bother with salad.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I know it always seems like such a good idea to make a fresh green salad. But frankly, it takes up valuable space on a plate that should be devoted to fourteen different starches, and you’re just going to throw most of it away, since it will be all wilty and depressed by the time you go to put the leftovers away. No one will miss it. Seriously. Stop even thinking about it. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6. Thou shalt not count calories, skimp on ingredients, or whine and pout about how bad the food is for you.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We are all very sensitive to healthy eating these days, and more than a few of us are dealing with the need to lose a couple of pounds. Or a couple of dozen. THIS IS NOT THE DAY TO DO IT. Thanksgiving is, at its very core, a celebration of food and the memories that food invokes and the new memories created at the table. You do yourself, your host, and the day a disservice if you think of it as anything else, or deprive yourself of the sheer joy of this meal. If you’re the cook, don’t alter recipes with low fat/low salt/low taste versions of things unless you have a guest with medically prescribed dietary restrictions. Don’t skip meals before, so that you aren’t blindly starving by the time you get to the buffet, and if you’re really concerned, fill your plate anyway you like, but either don’t go back for seconds, or on your second round, stick to the less gloopy veggies and turkey and the cranberry sauce. Any nutritionist worth their salt will tell you that one meal cannot derail your overall progress, especially if you get back to your program the next day and maybe add a workout that week. And any counselor will tell you that the surest way to be cranky is to deprive yourself while all around you are celebrating. Give yourself a break…you’ll be amazed that if you give yourself permission to have everything you want, how easy it is not to overdo it. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7. Thou shalt not stuff your bird.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I can hear you crying about it now….you are used to the bird packed with stuffing, you dream about the really crispy good part in the front over the neck, why can’t we stuff our turkeys? Here’s why….one, a stuffed bird is the best possible way to get food borne illness on the agenda. If the stuffing doesn’t get up to at least 180 degrees internally, it can breed bacteria, not fun for anyone’s tummy. Two, in order to get the stuffing to 180, you are going to overcook the crap out of the turkey itself, especially the breast meat. Three, all that moistness you love in the in-the-bird stuffing? That is all the juices from the meat that are getting sucked out by the huge stuffing sponge, and you not only dry out your bird, you have many fewer juices with which to make gravy. Make your stuffing and bake in a separate dish, and if you really miss that dense moistness, buy a couple of extra turkey wings and lay them on top of the casserole as it bakes, and/or melt a stick of butter in a cup of chicken stock and pour it over the stuffing ten minutes before taking it out of the oven. And get over it. Stuffing that wasn’t actually stuffed is always going to be better than food poisoning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve started doing Julia Child’s recipe for a deconstructed turkey cooked over the stuffing, which gives you the perfect stuffing and perfect bird, and in a fraction of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cook’s Illustrated has the technique and recipe, including video, just Google it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But be prepared, it means no pan juices at all for gravy (which I don’t mind since then I can just make gravy the week before and freeze it), and no big whole bird to bring to the table.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8. Thou shalt not test more than one new recipe for this meal.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Thanksgiving is a wonderful meal to add to, but don’t do everything at once. I know that the cooking mags have all sorts of new-fangled versions of things, but they <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">have</i> to reinvent the holiday menu every year. Experimentation is good, but if you change the whole thing up at once, people are going to miss their old standby favorites. Pick one dish that you think is ready for a revamp, and throw in that curveball. If you love it, add it to the repertoire. But don’t do the chipotle rubbed turkey, sweet potato kale bake, barley stuffing, green beans with fresh ricotta, and sherried fig cranberry coulis all in one meal. Someone will weep openly, and everyone will have to run out the next day and make a few traditional items to get them through to next year.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">9. Thou shalt be neither The Thanksgiving Dictator nor That Annoying Guest.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> If people want to help in the kitchen, let them. And don’t criticize the quality of their small dice, or the way they wash the pots. Ditto assigning specific foods to guests who want to bring something…if someone offers to bring a dish, ask them what they love to make or what they crave most about Thanksgiving and let them bring that. Who cares if you have two kinds of sweet potatoes, or both cornbread and regular stuffing? On Thanksgiving, more is more, and abundance rules. Besides, you have a three-day weekend that needs quality leftovers. If you are the guest, offering to bring something, be clear about what you are capable of; make sure to ask how many people you are expected to serve, and DO NOT BRING ANYTHING THAT NEEDS ASSEMBLY OR COOKING ONSITE! Do you have any idea how supremely annoying it is for someone to arrive with a grocery bag full of ingredients to begin making their dish while you are doing a kitchen dance that requires logistics only slightly less complicated than the opening ceremonies for the Olympics? Or with their frozen or chilled item that they then need to wedge into your one oven? If your dish is to be served warm, bring it warm in an insulated container, or in your slow cooker so that you can plug it in somewhere unobtrusive till it is time to serve. Speaking of serving, my best trick for holidays and dinner parties alike is to bring my offering on a serving platter that doubles as my hostess gift. Target, Home Goods, etc. all sell very inexpensive serving pieces, and it is a huge relief to your hosts for you to hand off your contribution, already on or in its final destination, and say "The platter/bowl/basket is our gift to thank you for your hospitality." Nothing is more annoying during dishwashing than making sure everyone's serveware gets cleaned so they can take it back home. Ditto Tupperware. I'm just saying.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10. Thou shalt be THANKFUL.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We are all very blessed in our own ways. Even if you are going through a rough time, there are those who have it rougher. The times in which we live are scary and sad, and we all deserve a day to focus on the good. Take a few moments to think about all of the gifts you have in your life, the family and friends who surround you, all of the wonderful things you may take for granted in the hustle and bustle of your day to day. Close your eyes, be joyful, and in all sincerity and humbleness thank the universe for your life.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am deeply thankful for each and every one of you for reading, supporting me and my work, and being kind and gentle ears in the world for my words. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And now for the giveaway! I have a lovely new friend, the best kind of new friend, the kind that feels like an old dear friend already. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_13?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=nancie+mcdermott&sprefix=Nancie+McDerm%2Cstripbooks%2C149&crid=3GI2TD8WKSF1A">Nancie McDermott </a>will be familiar to many of you, her food writing has long been a touchstone of mine, her wonderful Southern recipes are one of the ways this Yankee girl can properly give her Kentucky CS some of the food of his upbringing, and her work in the cuisines of Thailand and Vietnam inspire me to the kitchen to challenge myself to work on things outside my usual wheelhouse. Nancie's new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fruit-Savor-South%C2%AE-cookbook-Cookbooks/dp/1469632519/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1509984375&sr=1-1&keywords=nancie+mcdermott&dpID=41nhQLB4XZL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">Fruit</a> is an wonderful exploration of some of the best fruit-based recipes in all of Southern cooking, and the perfect thing as we face down the winter that is coming. I have a copy of Fruit to give away, along with a copy of my latest book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Change-Life-Stacey-Ballis/dp/0425276627/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1509984551&sr=1-1&keywords=how+to+change+a+life">How to Change A Life </a> AND a copy of my digital cookbook <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Big-Delicious-Life-Balliss-Awesome-ebook/dp/B00DQV7QOI/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1509984585&sr=1-1&keywords=big+delicious+life">Big Delicious Life</a>. Just comment below with your best piece of Thanksgiving advice or holiday recipe to enter to win before 11:59PM CST Sunday November 13, winner announced November 14. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yours in Good Taste,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Polymath</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here are some of my go-to turkey day recipes. Follow to the letter or use as a springboard for your own touches… All recipes are designed to accommodate 12-14 people with leftovers. And if you have recipes of your own to share, be sure to leave them in the comments section!</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cranberry sauce</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 bags cranberries</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FR" style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: FR; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 t lemon juice</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Zest of 1 orange</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pinch ground clove</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pinch fresh ginger</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Zest of 1 lemon</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">½ c dried cherries-rehydrate in ¼ c port</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cook cranberries and port in a saucepan over med-high heat 10 minutes, until cranberries burst. Add sugar and salt. Whisk OJ, cornstarch, mustard, lemon juice in a bowl and add to berries. Stir to combine. Add rest of ingredients, cook 5-6 minutes more, cool.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mashed potatoes</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled, cubed)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 sticks butter, cubed</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 cup whole milk, warmed (or half and half or cream, depending on how rich you like it)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 pt. sour cream</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 tub whipped cream cheese with chives (or plain) at room temp</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 bunch chives, chopped fine</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">S&P to taste</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Boil potatoes till soft. Drain completely. Put potatoes through ricer, or just use hand mixer to mash. Add butter first, then cream cheese, and then milk to just shy of your preferred texture. Once the potatoes are almost there, add in the sour cream, cream cheese and chives and season well. Hold in double boiler or slow cooker to keep warm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can be held about an hour in a double boiler or up to two in a slow cooker on warm without breaking.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Basic Stuffing</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 XL loaf country bread or French bread cubed and toasted till totally dry (2 lbs.) (or 2 lbs of the plain crouton cubes from the store)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 pkg soft egg rolls or hot dog buns torn coarsely</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 ½ sticks butter</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 ½ c finely chopped onion</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 ½ c finely chopped celery</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Celery leaves from 2 heads, chopped</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">¼ c chopped flat leaf parsley</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dried sage, thyme, marjoram (1 T each)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">S/P to taste</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4 lg eggs, beaten</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 32 oz box chicken stock…add as necessary to moisten</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">½ c toasted bread crumbs</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saute veggies and herbs in 1 ½ sticks butter. Toss with bread. Add stock slowly till moist but not overly soggy. Taste for seasoning. Stir in eggs and mix well. Put in deep foil pan. Drizzle with melted stick of butter and sprinkle of breadcrumbs.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">400 degrees for 25 minutes covered, then 20 uncovered. If you want extra turkey flavor, lay the pieces of 2-3 turkey wings on top of the casserole for all but the last 10 minutes, and for extra moistness, melt another 4-8 T butter in 1 c chicken or turkey stock and pour over top when you uncover the stuffing, then continue cooking.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Can be made up to two days in advance, and reheated in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes before serving.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pumpkin/Butternut Squash Soup</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you want this soup all pumpkin, replace the butternut squash with fresh or frozen cubed pumpkin. If you want it all squash, eliminate the canned pumpkin and add another 2 lbs of cubed squash.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4 small or 2 large butternut squash (or equivalent in fresh cubed or frozen…about 2.5-3 lbs after peeling, de-seeding and cubing)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 large cans pumpkin (29.5 oz organic…not pumpkin pie filling!)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3 quarts chicken stock (or veggie stock if you have vegetarians coming)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 pt. heavy cream</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 med. (or one large) yellow onions</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 stick butter</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fresh ground nutmeg</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">s/p</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prep squash if necessary by peeling, de-seeding and cubing in large chunks. Sauté onions in butter till soft but not browned, add squash and pumpkin. Pour in enough chicken stock to cover the vegetables by about 1 ½ - 2 inches. Cook over medium heat till very soft, about 35-45 minutes. Blend with immersion blender or in batches in regular blender till very smooth, for extra velvety soup strain thru Chinois or fine mesh strainer. Add cream and season to taste with salt and pepper and fresh nutmeg.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Freezes beautifully pre-cream, I often make a double batch and freeze half without the cream in it. Is also delish without the cream if you want to be healthier </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">J</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Toppings:</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">½ c heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8-10 amaretti cookies, crumbled but not powdered</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Blend together right before serving and garnish each bowl or cup with a generous spoon.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Have also topped with:</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Crushed gingersnaps and mini marshmallows</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Crème fraiche mixed with crystallized ginger</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Candied orange zest and toasted pine nuts </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Toasted gingerbread croutons</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Caramel corn</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whipped cream blended with cranberry sauce</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Crouton with melted asiago cheese</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fried sage leaves</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Curried nuts (pumpkin seeds, pecans, walnuts)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Balsamic Cipollini Onions</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 lbs cipollini onions, peeled (blanch in boiling water one minute, shock in ice water, skins should slip right off)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3 T </span><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/library/getentry.zsp?id=495"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">olive oil</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span lang="FR" style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: FR; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3 T </span><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/library/getentry.zsp?id=141"><span lang="FR" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: FR; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">butter</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span lang="FR" style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: FR; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 ½ T </span><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/library/getentry.zsp?id=139"><span lang="FR" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: FR; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">sugar</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6 T balsamic vinegar </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 T chopped </span><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/library/getentry.zsp?id=171"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">fresh parsley</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Preheat oven to 500°F. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Place onions in medium bowl; toss with oil. Arrange onions on baking sheet or in roasting pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast until onions are brown and tender, rotating pan in oven and turn onions once, about 35 minutes (they will caramelize and be quite dark in parts but, if you have coated them well with olive oil, will not have a 'burnt' taste). Meanwhile, melt butter in heavy small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add sugar and stir until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. Add vinegar. Return to heat. Simmer until mixture thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. Pour over onions and continue to cook in oven 10 more minutes. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sprinkle with parsley before serving. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pickled carrots </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(great pre-dinner nibble! A bowl of these and a bowl of nuts are all you need.)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 large bag baby carrots (2 1bs)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 bottle apple cider vinegar</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 large jar honey</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4 T mustard seed</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 bunch dill</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Combine vinegar, honey and mustard seed in saucepan. Add carrots and cook over med-high heat till carrots are cooked but still crisp, 5-8 minutes. Store in pickling liquid in fridge. Before serving, drain liquid, add chopped fresh dill.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jonnie’s Orange Sherbet Jell-O Mold<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">A family fave, and a bit of old-school fun on the plate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">4 3-oz pks orange jello<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">4 cups boiling water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">2/3 cup lemon juice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">2 pt. orange sherbet, softened<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Stacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-73382544156232777182017-09-27T16:16:00.001-05:002017-09-27T16:16:22.391-05:00The Beginning of the End- with Bonus Popcorn Giveaway!Hello Chickens!<br />
<br />
I don't know about where you are, but here in Chicago, when I'm all geared up for sweater and boot weather, Summer is making a last-ditch effort to hang around. We are also in the final month of renovation.<br />
<br />
Let's allow that to sink in a bit, shall we?<br />
<br />
We began the renovation on the Chateau in October of 2013. We will finish in October of 2017. Essentially, our house went to college. We are deeply grateful that it shows no interest in graduate school. <br />
<br />
We are a little delayed in showing off the 99.9% finished third-floor master suite because of that .1%, but I promise that very soon there will be some good glamour shots coming your way and a room by room recap of what we did up there. But for now, I thought I'd just share a quick pictorial of where we are now with the final phase, the first floor and the stairs.<br />
<br />
The first floor is our bonus space. Otherwise known as our "why the heck couldn't you have fallen in love with a two-flat?" space. But because we are who we are, it is giving us an opportunity to create our dream entertaining spot. While a lot of the entertaining we do involves small intimate dinners for 4-6 people, which we can do beautifully and efficiently in our eat-in kitchen, there is still the part of us that loves a big holiday celebration, and a classic old-school cocktail party. Thanksgiving and Passover and New Years Eve. A birthday celebration. We also love to support the not-for-profit world, and while we don't have the means for large philanthropic checks, we do look forward to being able to donate the use of the first floor of our home to those causes as a great location to host small fundraisers. So we have designed this space with all of those things in mind. A large formal living room with plenty of seating and conversation spaces. A large formal dining room that will be able to sit up to 24 people. A bathroom with a library serving as an anteroom for comfort and privacy, as well as a large butler's pantry that can double as a bar, and a small catering kitchen. The large kitchen upstairs and the small kitchen downstairs are linked by the elevator, which will be able to serve as a giant dumbwaiter, and there is a small powder room in the back as well.<br />
<br />
We are at drywall on the first floor, so you can really start to feel the space come together!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the kitchen, there will be a stove and hood here eventually...</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzq6XMvqXmEL6FvrVMOKguglUWo7KZiGsO8RJO_ZW8jp36GKZiErBDyR83YA_Ctxx23gFCWNycAp6d0cFryMiZ2teqIJLToQiU1gyQrBYShJfNNVbguqSv0ghi50xreBtMs-IMtjG4DuT/s1600/IMG_2187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzq6XMvqXmEL6FvrVMOKguglUWo7KZiGsO8RJO_ZW8jp36GKZiErBDyR83YA_Ctxx23gFCWNycAp6d0cFryMiZ2teqIJLToQiU1gyQrBYShJfNNVbguqSv0ghi50xreBtMs-IMtjG4DuT/s400/IMG_2187.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also kitchen, this wall is where the sink and dishwasher will go.</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAI8w7tAgwake8SyNjlby1PhwH-_ayJy1cfL_VHGMhjtEcEsvNP-ImcjOiqt8RAUUTZavdek7s54Ab1NiqOrmMwRJRidvF17AseJJ7azacmAzXWNV56HG6GF3eyMIKin4us7KPNDZLdEOn/s1600/IMG_2189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAI8w7tAgwake8SyNjlby1PhwH-_ayJy1cfL_VHGMhjtEcEsvNP-ImcjOiqt8RAUUTZavdek7s54Ab1NiqOrmMwRJRidvF17AseJJ7azacmAzXWNV56HG6GF3eyMIKin4us7KPNDZLdEOn/s400/IMG_2189.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Powder room view from kitchen door.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jutdWIsAaeb3RWaljh9JrEuzOQfND9yGp5s2dOXT4oBeNO4BCAEmfNCgJZcGz_SY_D7bwuk-qko1yo-fIhhnR__aBCdmp9oUWFRkfv6BE9gM6QXZX9ZjPBZp0koiPwzuwaYkyVUc2E53/s1600/IMG_2191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jutdWIsAaeb3RWaljh9JrEuzOQfND9yGp5s2dOXT4oBeNO4BCAEmfNCgJZcGz_SY_D7bwuk-qko1yo-fIhhnR__aBCdmp9oUWFRkfv6BE9gM6QXZX9ZjPBZp0koiPwzuwaYkyVUc2E53/s400/IMG_2191.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This will be the dining room!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New hallway</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the south half of the dining room....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North wall of the dining room waiting for built-in hutch.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Future library</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View through foyer and vestibule to front door.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View up the new stairs...nothing like that first coat of paint to show you where the walls need fixing, <br />one step forward, half a step back!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevator foyer off kitchen.</td></tr>
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Pretty soon we will be able to share some fun stuff like design choices and paint colors, but for the moment we are just so excited to be at this whirlwind stage with the finish line in sight!<br />
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One of the things that working with these spaces has done is get us excited about the kind of entertaining we will be able to do. I am super excited to host Thanksgiving in the new dining room. We are already planning our New Year's Eve menu, although that may be as much about being ready for 2017 to be over as it is about a party. And we have already planned on our first "donation" event for a holiday party for an organization of which I am a member. <br />
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One of the things I love about entertaining is that it is sort of like a muscle you exercise, the more you do it the better you get at it. You have read some of my tips and tricks on this blog over the years, but the one I get more and more invested in is to really be thoughtful about how I begin an evening with my guests. And I have become a big believer in not doing big appetizers before a dinner party. I want my guests to come to the table hungry, and if they are filling up on cheese and crudites and other pre-dinner nibbles, then why did I go to all that trouble to make dinner? (Nothing wrong, by the way, of having a party that is heavy appetizers followed by dessert, if you love all the finger foods, it can be a fun way to entertain!)<br />
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I've talked to you before about our favorite pairing of champagne and potato chips as the perfect start to an evening. A little salty snack to complement the bubbles, both designed to whet the appetite without ruining it. But for a lot of people, the start to an evening is more in the cocktail or beer realm, and for those people, let me just say, the best way to go is popcorn.<br />
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Those of you who know us know that we are passionate about popcorn. At least a couple nights a week we have salad and large bowls of popcorn for dinner. We use a proprietary blend of yellow, white and mushroom kernels, popped in a pot with peanut oil and sprinkled with sea salt. I think popcorn is a nearly perfect food.<br />
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But while that is a great nibble for watching TV, dinner parties need a little elevation in your popcorn game. There are a lot of recipes for herbed popcorn and truffled parmesan popcorn and other fancied up snacks, I've <a href="http://blog.polymathchronicles.net/2010/08/feasting-friday-popcorn.html">posted one myself</a>. Here in Chicago we have our own famous blending of cheese popcorn with caramel corn, you can certainly start your party there, I love me a salty-sweet combo. <br />
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I recently went on vacation and when I returned there was a box from the people at <a href="http://www.ghcretors.com/">GH Cretors </a>for me to try some of their offerings. Much as I love the corn, how could I refuse?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1e8-mt7OtHU90EUMvPFkMAfgG_f7WAIliKlQpa0D0zPZgvaCue_Gxuv-mNOT9e52vkEqpP_ZzZi55i6b_sDdc21N3eFf-WjHj1rWDCq9N8oHKBfRwIejU4WRImaJMt2nzWBHjwk5UxCUR/s1600/IMG_0158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1e8-mt7OtHU90EUMvPFkMAfgG_f7WAIliKlQpa0D0zPZgvaCue_Gxuv-mNOT9e52vkEqpP_ZzZi55i6b_sDdc21N3eFf-WjHj1rWDCq9N8oHKBfRwIejU4WRImaJMt2nzWBHjwk5UxCUR/s400/IMG_0158.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I will say, while partial to freshly popped, I was pleasantly surprised with the crunch and quality of these popcorn offerings. I probably wouldn't buy the plain salted, since I can make that myself, but the flavored ones were really good! We had friends coming by for cocktails the evening I received the box, so I decided we should open a bag as our snack of choice. And while the cheese flavors would have been an obvious pick, I went for the Dill Pickle flavor instead.<br />
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We were all a bit skeptical, but as soon as we started eating this popcorn we became believers. It is the perfect pairing for cocktails. Sort of like a salt and vinegar chip, with the acid and salt well balanced and giving you that little bit of thirst for your drink the way a great bar snack should, but the dill brought something new to the party that none of us was expecting to enjoy as much as we did! We finished the whole bag, and kept saying, "It really tastes like a dill pickle!". As much as I definitely enjoyed both of the cheese flavors and The Mix of cheese and caramel, (I am a Chicago girl after all), of all of these the Dill Pickle will be a new go-to for a quick pre-dinner snack when entertaining, so easy to keep a bag or two in the pantry for a spontaneous happy hour.<br />
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Want to try for yourself? GH Cretors has agreed to send one of my lucky readers a sample box of their own, along with an adorable tote bag and even a cool stainless steel water bottle! (I won't tell anyone if you fill the "water bottle" with cocktails for your portable entertaining!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a cool prize!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snacks and drinks to go!</td></tr>
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All you have to do to enter to win is to comment on this post with what you think would be a good cocktail pairing with one of the GH Cretors flavors...you can choose from Dill Pickle, Salted Butter, Honey Butter Kettlecorn, White Cheddar, The Mix (cheese and caramel), Cheese, Chile Jalapeno White Cheddar, Caramel Corn, or Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. You don't have to give us the cocktail recipe, but feel free to add it for our drinking pleasures. <br />
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Comment by 11:59PM Sunday October 1, and winner will be chosen at random and announced Monday October 2!<br />
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You can also enter on Twitter, just follow me @staceyballis and retweet the post, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/staceyballis1/">Facebook</a>, like the page and comment there, or on Instagram, follow me @stacey.ballis and comment on the popcorn pic there, so you can have up to four entries to win! <br />
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Yours in Good Taste,<br />
The PolymathStacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-57359616595860710402017-07-10T10:43:00.000-05:002017-07-10T10:43:09.122-05:00Update!Hello Chickens! <br />
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How is everyone's summer going? Things here at the Chateau have been a perfect storm of busy and slow, and eminently unphotographable.<br />
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The good news is that we are in the home stretch...we are scheduled to be fully completed by mid-October. After nearly four years of living in a construction project, you can imagine how thrilling that actual end date is for us. It has gone from an ephemeral, almost theoretical, future date to a day in a calendar that we can start to see like a pinlight at the end of this long tunnel.<br />
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We have moved upstairs to our master bedroom suite, which is about 95% completed. The master bath, second bath and laundry room are still not fully done, but they are imminent, and I can't wait to share the design details with you as soon as I can! The bedroom is missing only one window treatment which is coming this week, so stay tuned for a full update on that space by early next week.<br />
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You have seen our dressing rooms, which have been working really well. I think we both are still getting used to the new organization, but generally, it is so lovely to have all of our stuff where we need it and can find things! The laundry room, while still not fully complete, does have the washer and dryer installed and functioning and that has been a gamechanger. Since 1993 when I moved into this building, there were shared coin-operated laundry in the basement. They were expensive and you always needed to put things through the dryer at least twice, towels three times, which required endless schlepping up and down the stairs going through three different locked doors, and praying you didn't run out of quarters. I figured out very quickly that it was easier and cheaper to just take my laundry up to my family's weekend place ere, or to drop it off at the eighty-cents-a-pound fluff and fold at the local laundromat. So having a washer and dryer on the same floor as all of our clothes and sheets and towels, where we can just toss in a load whenever we like with ease is beyond exciting. I'm sure eventually laundry will cease to be such a joyous entertainment, but for the moment, I'm loving it. Of course, it takes a lot of getting used to, having never had laundry of my own before, so I am currently very guilty of throwing a load in the washer or dryer and then completely forgetting I've done it. I'm using the 10-minute refresh setting on the dryer a lot!<br />
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The elevator is almost finished, it won't get a floor till we do the floors on the first floor, but it is operational and our knees are deeply grateful! Just in time, because we have officially lost access to our front stairs. The staircase, which will be getting its own post soon, has to be removed from the basement to the third floor, and then the new one brought in and installed in sections, then trimmed out and finished on site. This is really the big project, the one thing that will take this building from feeling like three apartments into feeling like a single family home. So we are very excited to have the process begun. Our contractors have installed barrier walls, essentially framing with doors and just plastic dust barriers nailed on, on all four levels to protect the finished spaces as much as possible from the mess. They will demo the the stairwell first getting as much of the mess out of the building before surgically removing the walls on the upper floors to open the space completely. So while we have access to all of our living and working spaces, it is a little convoluted, and we have to do all of our moving around from level to level on the elevator or up and down the back exterior stairs. The only thing saving this from being enormously annoying is the knowledge that every day we live with it is one day closer to the new stairs being finished!<br />
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We have had a couple interesting discoveries. <br />
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This is what we found under the drywall in the dining room. That is a combination of bordello red paint on top and starburst wallpaper below, which we assume at one point were separated by a chair rail.<br />
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This was under the drywall in the foyer, sort of a ghastly 1950s Holiday Inn lobby in Indiana sort of vibe. <div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSfSUGCbAhsE_y5pWhVscnQMCu6FRKr74JmlDkFGeSVaHn1ZKRC9MAOJaL1awqfKC7jOmi9xYursbOX90RvLsuNJ9wGag_fP-wVtxn3fbTmQ4B68ZixF9V8eyWXG1Ov7-tQ4HBYduIAVu/s1600/IMG_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSfSUGCbAhsE_y5pWhVscnQMCu6FRKr74JmlDkFGeSVaHn1ZKRC9MAOJaL1awqfKC7jOmi9xYursbOX90RvLsuNJ9wGag_fP-wVtxn3fbTmQ4B68ZixF9V8eyWXG1Ov7-tQ4HBYduIAVu/s400/IMG_0091.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Apparently one of the previous owners had seriously questionable taste! We were not sorry to see any of this go away.</div>
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We are in demo mode for the next little bit, but I will be back as the third floor continues to come together with updates on those spaces and some pictures of pretty things for a change! In the meantime, continue to enjoy your summer, and if you have not already, do take a moment to pre-order my new book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Change-Life-Stacey-Ballis/dp/0425276627/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499700961&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+change+a+life">How to Change A Life</a> which will be out August 15!</div>
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Yours in Good Taste,</div>
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The Polymath</div>
Stacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-72864105143422543452017-05-08T18:16:00.001-05:002017-05-08T18:16:34.773-05:00A Tale of Two ClosetsHello Chickens! <br />
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It's time to start filling you in on the third-floor master suite, and for this one, we are going to go room by room. In part because a lot of the spaces are still shy of completed!<br />
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Today I'm going to talk about our closets. Because anyone who has lived in an old building knows, closet space is at a serious premium. When the buildings were built, everyone used armoires and other storage furniture, and while owners over the years have added some closets, they are small and minimally useful at best. <br />
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When our bedroom was on the first floor, I had all my stuff crammed into the closet in that room, you know the kind of space, bifold doors, one long rod across, one long shelf above. The space under the hanging clothes filled with an amalgam of bins and shelves, trying desperately to make everything fit, and stay organized, to little avail. My poor Charming Suitor was relegated to the even smaller closet in the guest room across the hall, making due with that and his antique highboy dresser. When we moved from the first-floor bedroom into the basement eighteen months ago, we temporarily converted our former bedroom into a shared dressing room, somewhat better, but still makeshift and frustrating, impossible to keep really organized, dark and dreary, and a constant source of disappointment and annoyance.<br />
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So when we designed the third-floor suite, we knew we would each get a proper dressing room. Since my CS is seriously amazing, he let me have the larger of the two available spaces, recognizing that the volume of shoes alone wouldn't fit in the smaller room. He gets major gold star hubby points for sure on this one, since my dressing room is probably about 30% bigger, and his has a corner cut off on the diagonal for the window, which adds to the complexity of space planning. And since he is a dapper gent, with no shortage of his own clothes and shoes to store, and he is the one who gets up every day to get really dressed for work, so he could easily and validly have argued for the bigger space himself. Especially since I spend 55% of my days in stretchy pants and long-sleeved t-shirts, one step up from pajamas, to commute one floor down to sit and make stuff up all day. But as ever, he spoils me, and while he will point out to everyone that his space is smaller, he really is thrilled that I get to have my girly sanctuary.<br />
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Originally we had visions of built-in closets like you see in all of the magazines. Mine would be spunky and bright, like a luxury department store, with all the bells and whistles, fabulous matching display shelves for my darling shoes, purse storage, an island for accessory wrangling, a window seat bench with tall boot storage beneath. CS dreamed of manly wood, with sliding pants organizers, and those awesome little pull-out rods for organizing clothes before a business trip. We'd both make use of the ceiling height to fully maximize storage. <br />
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And then we met with the closet people.<br />
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This is where things went a bit sideways. Two of the four companies we met with never got back to me with bids. Not even after two follow up emails and a phone message each to remind them that we were waiting on their ideas and pricing. The other two companies came back fairly quickly with designs. And an estimated cost so incredibly high that we thought perhaps they had misplaced the decimal point. Knowing that we were on a very tight budget, the suggested designs were as basic as they come, none of the fancies, none of the special, in both cases just a combination of hanging rods, open shelving, and some shoe storage. And even pared down like that? You could buy a brand new Honda Civic with all the bells and whistles for what they wanted to build out these two spaces with laminated particle board. Not even real wood!<br />
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We took a breath. Because in this house? While we obviously aren't above spending money (ahem, elevator), we have made every decision based on ultimate value. Every line item has to pass the orange test, i.e. Is the juice worth the squeeze? We have passed on finishes and fixtures that would have been gorgeous, but just too expensive to justify. (someday, silver-leafed accent wall, you might be mine...) We have invested heavily in infrastructure, in engineering, in creating a house that will function and grow with us for the rest of our lives. But built-out custom closets at the cost of a family sedan? Not so much.<br />
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Now we are furniture people, and had been making due with an amalgam of pieces up until now, so we took stock of all of the storage items we already owned. The items that could be repurposed or reimagined. I went back to my theater roots and bought a pair of used industrial Z-racks, the rolling two-tier hanging racks that theaters use to organize costumes, from our wonderful upholsterer <a href="https://www.facebook.com/beth.laskemiller">Beth Laske-Miller</a> who was reimagining her work studio. Are they gorgeous? Nope. Are they über functional? You betcha. <br />
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The big move upstairs was this past weekend. The space is 95% finished, done enough that we can live up there while the punch list is finished up. A big part of the past couple of days involved putting together our dressing rooms. Do they look like a magazine? Nope. Do they look like a luxury department store? Not in the least. But they do look like those small charming independent boutiques you find in adorable neighborhoods, the ones where a sassy proprietress will dig through a rack and find you something unique and fabulous. <br />
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They aren't as maximized in terms of storage as they would have been, the height of the rooms aren't quite utilized to their fullest, but most of our respective stuff is in them and it is a massive improvement. And there is something ultimately charming about them both. They look like us, instead of looking like everyone. And if that means that we still have to swap out tubs of clothes and shoes seasonally, so be it. I do think someday we will revisit the idea of building-out CS's dressing room, since he is bearing the brunt of the inconvenience, and ultimately, getting him better organization, and especially taking advantage of the ceiling height will make a huge difference for him. But I don't know that I will ever do mine. I'm sort of in love with the cobbled-together feel of it, and while I might swap out a piece here or there, I think I might just stick with the unique!<br />
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So, let's start with CS's room...<br />
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We painted it a very masculine deep brown called Otter from Sherwin-Williams, I know some people think dark colors in small spaces make the walls feel like they are closing in, but I disagree. I think it makes them cozy, and with white on the ceiling and white on the trim, it is very elegant. CS got one of the two Z-racks and it literally holds everything he has on a hanger on one unit! Sports coats and suits on the bottom, shirts, pants and vests up top. The little antique settee is wood and black leather and terribly mens-club.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySI68LvEzSEbzLQnB9IPGKUkTGDULmy1eoipD-VmWuowK8-qGavzyCEBm6SZBOzQNBjZ3q9ZoR59_qO3oQp3oIn857B2KGTNF3xXDWFz2YCEBN1zdSKxmpBVLcSIlMO3vqB2vJyBssHlG/s1600/IMG_1362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySI68LvEzSEbzLQnB9IPGKUkTGDULmy1eoipD-VmWuowK8-qGavzyCEBm6SZBOzQNBjZ3q9ZoR59_qO3oQp3oIn857B2KGTNF3xXDWFz2YCEBN1zdSKxmpBVLcSIlMO3vqB2vJyBssHlG/s400/IMG_1362.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the view from the door</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzvoaF971yEkdqAR_GqsbYwb0r0bs0myfzznw1s9TmEgaLQJhpwJZNFu5nkCUXS3JSBtr0rD2QZLI87ES2zLc1hYuxkKawJHahEHt8FHpoK9mO2ThJn2PDr_2oaldY0823xGUabtj-u1Y/s1600/IMG_1363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzvoaF971yEkdqAR_GqsbYwb0r0bs0myfzznw1s9TmEgaLQJhpwJZNFu5nkCUXS3JSBtr0rD2QZLI87ES2zLc1hYuxkKawJHahEHt8FHpoK9mO2ThJn2PDr_2oaldY0823xGUabtj-u1Y/s400/IMG_1363.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antique high boy</td></tr>
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CS has had this English Arts and Crafts piece forever, and it is just gorgeous. We found the brass freestanding valet at a flea market and repurposed one of the Elfa wire bin units from the former downstairs closet to help wrangle some bits and pieces, at least for now. Not super attractive, and I think as soon as we come across some sort of taller open shelving piece we can swap out for it, we will, but for the moment, it serves.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi232YZ4CXuFhooFcU2V6KVbSK4bBSTiVljS3vRe8vAPtjv5aYpSs-deWv5IlEvlCcNvehPKodbQLuxurDq3vuKpHgf_0PoZX3_oZNkBjO1011iGbNmsCpdwMBPVZKg5dnGx8x-zEk2nVDU/s1600/IMG_1364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi232YZ4CXuFhooFcU2V6KVbSK4bBSTiVljS3vRe8vAPtjv5aYpSs-deWv5IlEvlCcNvehPKodbQLuxurDq3vuKpHgf_0PoZX3_oZNkBjO1011iGbNmsCpdwMBPVZKg5dnGx8x-zEk2nVDU/s400/IMG_1364.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dresser</td></tr>
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We used to have this dresser in our bedroom in the basement, but there was a second drawer unit in that room, and since it is now a guest room, we figured one storage piece would do just fine down there, so we stole this one for CS's dressing room. It was originally a gift from dear friends who were downsizing, belonging to their grandparents, so it makes me happy that it continues to have a functional life daily!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NS579kmFf-3AAGYWrQIOA46uHezWiCzX8w9BnrtIO9V8_HvsaFxURp_difHgpeyzGEoLlt9xmGLmVylv_djNe_aFFsMGATkfgUbrxZOxIHVDJsuT2ppkrLhaQef1gvEl4gIEVnW-HzBo/s1600/IMG_1365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NS579kmFf-3AAGYWrQIOA46uHezWiCzX8w9BnrtIO9V8_HvsaFxURp_difHgpeyzGEoLlt9xmGLmVylv_djNe_aFFsMGATkfgUbrxZOxIHVDJsuT2ppkrLhaQef1gvEl4gIEVnW-HzBo/s400/IMG_1365.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoes!</td></tr>
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CS might not have quite as many shoes as I do, but he does love a well-crafted piece of footwear. We use to have this arts and crafts glass-front bookcase in the butler's pantry holding glassware, but we weren't using it for that anymore, and at least for now, it makes a pretty decent shoe cabinet. We added more shelves (just had laminate shelves cut to size at Home Depot) to maximize the space.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeYN1h3LUFNUDm8fb3YPzgJaV2MhgvedaC1O6cpSFa63vJCn6Ndl9AwjkYd8EyVhrv35Lqx2jdav29WDJ5yLfzQC0-iPDcvESz2QLZwPMO0w1llP-uBS3aXIzGbzdC_9p5a3yhWYC5rRH/s1600/IMG_1366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeYN1h3LUFNUDm8fb3YPzgJaV2MhgvedaC1O6cpSFa63vJCn6Ndl9AwjkYd8EyVhrv35Lqx2jdav29WDJ5yLfzQC0-iPDcvESz2QLZwPMO0w1llP-uBS3aXIzGbzdC_9p5a3yhWYC5rRH/s400/IMG_1366.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished room!</td></tr>
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A lovely old rug keeps the room feeling warm and personal, and lucky for us, this one was living downstairs in CS's former office! All in all, I think it is a space that reflects his unique elegance, and I know that despite the few remaining flaws, it is still a massive improvement for him!<br />
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And now, for my space...<br />
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Never one to be shy, I wanted a bold color in here, and Dynamo from Sherwin-Williams was a hit. The deep magenta color pops against the white ceiling and trim and just makes me happy. The rug is a very old one, and I adore the patina and the way the colors play off each other.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5TxEkJkJowdh8ifuqoL7T7Gyg574gwaLQXzI1YtuT-V7aHipHeyndG7a1spPsRzSkyBBFgyM8YYDb6buXVDQNZ5sISjdjiO9zcHxX23MGSXCJrTXqPmLoMa5rotHNtDsnYePMZxbXXWW/s1600/IMG_1368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5TxEkJkJowdh8ifuqoL7T7Gyg574gwaLQXzI1YtuT-V7aHipHeyndG7a1spPsRzSkyBBFgyM8YYDb6buXVDQNZ5sISjdjiO9zcHxX23MGSXCJrTXqPmLoMa5rotHNtDsnYePMZxbXXWW/s400/IMG_1368.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the door</td></tr>
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I had found this amazing 1920s Art Nouveau chandelier at a really great vintage store in our neighborhood. If you are in Chicago, check out the goods at the West of Western district on North Avenue, stores like An Orange Moon is awesome for mid-century stuff, I found the circular stool pictured above there, and North Avenue Collective across the street has proven to be a dangerous place to visit. I bought the chandelier first, but everytime we go, we find a new treasure!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zWMcY9bmwE5IEBb-fk3FfEubR1zOSMdMsH08yNPxYYOCvzfRrOBLg3MUHvW7AryhUu0pqConMqmf1rN8LXocvq07opq88cgVhv5SWvYOs-E8eJQqhD290XB1rN5kZGBxWQA1JH8m2P24/s1600/IMG_1367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zWMcY9bmwE5IEBb-fk3FfEubR1zOSMdMsH08yNPxYYOCvzfRrOBLg3MUHvW7AryhUu0pqConMqmf1rN8LXocvq07opq88cgVhv5SWvYOs-E8eJQqhD290XB1rN5kZGBxWQA1JH8m2P24/s400/IMG_1367.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girly!</td></tr>
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Then it was time to think seating.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaR11TYWG0co2Ud3c5NCDOvc1pyDOpCsh1Ef-VVimHh0ZhFuDU0J-jB3pgCN-GjeDSSSUtDqwZVvZVQhEWZKq3s0W-6j00vwoEUGXwP6GNqx9Gb74mhtzfAOl8DW7l1zdB9MPwm_dOkkl8/s1600/IMG_1369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaR11TYWG0co2Ud3c5NCDOvc1pyDOpCsh1Ef-VVimHh0ZhFuDU0J-jB3pgCN-GjeDSSSUtDqwZVvZVQhEWZKq3s0W-6j00vwoEUGXwP6GNqx9Gb74mhtzfAOl8DW7l1zdB9MPwm_dOkkl8/s400/IMG_1369.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have a seat!</td></tr>
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I always wanted some seating in the window, and this little settee used to be in our former kitchen. The small scale is perfect and made a bit cozier with some fun stripy pillows and an old knitted family afghan.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jzN4q8siiU_C0NrR_MRGmEuu-xGOY_gDrHdb570KDz2HpY6CUV12sC_ZWCJOu3OiSmxdCrC560h4jtIpcbFBWLQbr9jHiW4OFKY_NnUej9oyjgm9tjI_DiapZETMJyA9fob6mXfHw3SB/s1600/IMG_1375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jzN4q8siiU_C0NrR_MRGmEuu-xGOY_gDrHdb570KDz2HpY6CUV12sC_ZWCJOu3OiSmxdCrC560h4jtIpcbFBWLQbr9jHiW4OFKY_NnUej9oyjgm9tjI_DiapZETMJyA9fob6mXfHw3SB/s400/IMG_1375.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So. Many. Sweaters.</td></tr>
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This shelving unit was another gift from our dear downsizing friends, and I just love how fancy it is! And yes, that is a set of library stairs because I am a short person and if I tried to reach one of the sweaters on the top shelf from the floor, they would all tumble down on my head. Hypothetically.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnls8p3q11ocn3bCj4BY-KG2B-uIUtQUyTPHkbYlPFe_WqD-JKkOsHTVtbbLnPt1kNh57MihhnTvTiwI4iVpSgvyxGMZ1z4TRGmlI_sm8ZQ_zLff5rU4RnTqBL5HKdMw9mW3avMjhUJsP_/s1600/IMG_1376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnls8p3q11ocn3bCj4BY-KG2B-uIUtQUyTPHkbYlPFe_WqD-JKkOsHTVtbbLnPt1kNh57MihhnTvTiwI4iVpSgvyxGMZ1z4TRGmlI_sm8ZQ_zLff5rU4RnTqBL5HKdMw9mW3avMjhUJsP_/s400/IMG_1376.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank god for the Z rack! I still get some street cred with my theater peeps.</td></tr>
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This is my Z rack and just like CS's, it holds all of my hanging garb. The only thing that is a bit annoying is that my long dresses don't clear the bottom rod freely, but luckily I only need half of the bottom rod for pants, so at least they can hang in front, and still don't get wrinkled.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGIXdqjmQFDOBh6j-aWQlS7iCfIdasj3-U39e7GGCEz5BjNteX2eDkyB-G1cMdKA5zlUZGyOQXwIGg1FnxGgm1F7-F8qR_hjL2470VPCLZK3gihtyO9bTCdSnqkoLrenr5P8SuFGQ0Qbp/s1600/IMG_1377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGIXdqjmQFDOBh6j-aWQlS7iCfIdasj3-U39e7GGCEz5BjNteX2eDkyB-G1cMdKA5zlUZGyOQXwIGg1FnxGgm1F7-F8qR_hjL2470VPCLZK3gihtyO9bTCdSnqkoLrenr5P8SuFGQ0Qbp/s400/IMG_1377.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just like CS, I repurposed the other former butler's pantry storage piece, which used to contain china and serving pieces, and added some more shelving to house the most fabulous of my shoes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7hPQ5Qq3yo6Hk0kv5VQkcS3zEiItyOMEKsJrA4SpHxBiDmoL3wtUqw_dKiiEYuylPUlt6oHPAZjg6JzoTFES8uxaJE4gerCQWL6bB63tn3YKpALksJDAenNLoWt7LWczQ8rlOJBuE6aI/s1600/IMG_1378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7hPQ5Qq3yo6Hk0kv5VQkcS3zEiItyOMEKsJrA4SpHxBiDmoL3wtUqw_dKiiEYuylPUlt6oHPAZjg6JzoTFES8uxaJE4gerCQWL6bB63tn3YKpALksJDAenNLoWt7LWczQ8rlOJBuE6aI/s400/IMG_1378.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More shoes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
This little metal shelving unit used to be inside my closet downstairs, and while it isn't the prettiest, it does work really well for overflow shoe wrangling in a small space. If I ever come across a vintage wood bookshelf I might swap it out, just to keep the overall theme.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbI1EmZk6wQZyyyGS9cvDL7RNW8CKq5hXg9JfvbBD6hzlqN9mI6q2UDrd9AM4HbGeHjnf6Fu0TMy3KPR2xBSgzXBLx2DV5NyK8sY64oZXSEVxCm8CeYgpkTbyn4V0Ip8hoajjKwFQKc8Ea/s1600/IMG_1360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbI1EmZk6wQZyyyGS9cvDL7RNW8CKq5hXg9JfvbBD6hzlqN9mI6q2UDrd9AM4HbGeHjnf6Fu0TMy3KPR2xBSgzXBLx2DV5NyK8sY64oZXSEVxCm8CeYgpkTbyn4V0Ip8hoajjKwFQKc8Ea/s400/IMG_1360.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Armoire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This armoire is very similar to what would likely have been used instead of closets when the house was built, and was downstairs in the former closet room. I am madly in love with the paw feet. I have to leave it a bit open since the key is long since lost, and it is a huge pain to open if you closet the doors tight, but someday I will find a key that fits! I'm using the top for purse wrangling.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_nGR0Zh-Pe8NPjAq4e5QASzQYY_N_UNR4C032YX2c_oSLb6GKjAUSKDv_7bVKO3oRS0h8bVKZyKrChodwUNyGT37VQVPJpNbhOyeXK34m_9cWqS_4u3wEiwIBkiPsJ7_rAHFFiZAOve_/s1600/IMG_1361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_nGR0Zh-Pe8NPjAq4e5QASzQYY_N_UNR4C032YX2c_oSLb6GKjAUSKDv_7bVKO3oRS0h8bVKZyKrChodwUNyGT37VQVPJpNbhOyeXK34m_9cWqS_4u3wEiwIBkiPsJ7_rAHFFiZAOve_/s400/IMG_1361.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Open sesame!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I love this thing. It is like a swiss army knife. Drawers have dividers inside, that little flat thing at the top with the knob is actually a pull-out mirror, and there is even a secret compartment. the hanging rod on the right side holds a ton too!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3Ha8hEK_QSfDcj4SoSlGkOx4Jbp8b6hzIgyF9GczG60HdSqEmuBeaIva4o9p1Dd5ila3fKXqTKrnvbPFfOh7nAXXFxCmtTSEl1DjCnqaJhWAr2kpV4ag4wrqYBpIm87usycuD15hVVY3/s1600/IMG_1379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3Ha8hEK_QSfDcj4SoSlGkOx4Jbp8b6hzIgyF9GczG60HdSqEmuBeaIva4o9p1Dd5ila3fKXqTKrnvbPFfOh7nAXXFxCmtTSEl1DjCnqaJhWAr2kpV4ag4wrqYBpIm87usycuD15hVVY3/s400/IMG_1379.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Lucky for me, while I love a good bag, I hate being overly encumbered, so the majority of my purses are clutch size, which meant almost all of them fit neatly into this large tray that I used to use for clearing up after parties.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4TXOsDBA26Z0okdWahL5MseQwDSi_PwjwVS2KdYal3Xx43NzQ2y1qc6RSGQWlxucif_1yyQhRSR3DCZm3cOuDMo9XB8nl_hGfAfL-of82K1nQCbzuLW5QTTulsKygYJE90oa03jpoTDP/s1600/IMG_1380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4TXOsDBA26Z0okdWahL5MseQwDSi_PwjwVS2KdYal3Xx43NzQ2y1qc6RSGQWlxucif_1yyQhRSR3DCZm3cOuDMo9XB8nl_hGfAfL-of82K1nQCbzuLW5QTTulsKygYJE90oa03jpoTDP/s400/IMG_1380.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to accessorize!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had this antique cabinet in storage. It is from the late 1800s and was originally a dentist's office cabinet! That means oodles of shallow drawers perfect for organizing jewelry, and the four larger spaces at the bottom for scarves and such. I got everything in it, but it may take me the rest of my natural life before I don't have to open ten drawers before finding the one pair of earrings I'm looking for!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIvUIi8y9IHpNy6av0ZAbuEm3KcmSn_t6ZyLFpZODYW3S-4fQK-OQDsvfBM3Q93uqOUypeAZkgu_38CzX0ot_hTOi86qHKBdLX0JyMkmOmzIkNkR_5ur50I5MbzlwgTdjXZMIyramhhcC/s1600/IMG_1359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIvUIi8y9IHpNy6av0ZAbuEm3KcmSn_t6ZyLFpZODYW3S-4fQK-OQDsvfBM3Q93uqOUypeAZkgu_38CzX0ot_hTOi86qHKBdLX0JyMkmOmzIkNkR_5ur50I5MbzlwgTdjXZMIyramhhcC/s400/IMG_1359.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know, the shoe thing is a problem.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This over the door shoe wrangler may not be the most attractive, but it keeps all the athletic shoes and flats hidden away, since they don't quite call out for display the way the others do. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7Yp-fj_PnzQZlwfL1s4uvRjjFqYb2rH8yeesPtXGCmO7sqd5JY_999BY9WOMrw8JyNqBkKLLSfBfdbWrGFS8VN6hWoAkxEMVLvcMF8yCENp_SgM3yoKiFa_W8veBpShppEStSexz-rCl/s1600/IMG_1370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7Yp-fj_PnzQZlwfL1s4uvRjjFqYb2rH8yeesPtXGCmO7sqd5JY_999BY9WOMrw8JyNqBkKLLSfBfdbWrGFS8VN6hWoAkxEMVLvcMF8yCENp_SgM3yoKiFa_W8veBpShppEStSexz-rCl/s400/IMG_1370.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello, hamper!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So a few weeks ago CS and I were at a flea market, and I spotted this clothes hamper. This 1970s fever dream of a swirly back-painted tambour mirror hamper, in lovely shades of ochre and avocado. I pulled him over to see a little piece of vintage home decor that looks like my early childhood threw up. I really was taking him to see it so that I could make fun of its awfulness and we could have a good chuckle. Except by the time we got there, I noticed something. It is in perfect condition. Really well made, on a steel frame, so solid as a rock. Not a scratch or a chip or a crack anywhere, and that is a 40+-year-old piece made of actual glass mirror! CS was still appalled, despite my insistence that perhaps it was so ghastly that it was actually fabulous. I would have let it go, had it not been for this...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHkZv2mw10ubFGPUt2H2P1cWBN1LM1-8-ISk6KObQ2LS20dkVkUtyfRxifrLcis1c4CtvyMi36lSAz6UtaqA4OfliybCWUGKCZKGvtPe9gxWctTxk2MHvTp4G3_ZSsMZrLtQOtMRAHMAxM/s1600/IMG_1372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHkZv2mw10ubFGPUt2H2P1cWBN1LM1-8-ISk6KObQ2LS20dkVkUtyfRxifrLcis1c4CtvyMi36lSAz6UtaqA4OfliybCWUGKCZKGvtPe9gxWctTxk2MHvTp4G3_ZSsMZrLtQOtMRAHMAxM/s400/IMG_1372.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matching wastebasket.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yeah, this too, in absolutely perfect shape. I <i>still </i>might have been convinced to leave them behind, when I noticed....<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HP6ann9LGLUBt08L6t-6iuaB9354CMhdpVei0l2ITwwYETKx2E1nr3MJXZDPpz3YBg_XohRnXV4cPdSeGOrjfBX19idTAyCn8z6rXeufpuLZXqrrK5VDXcuUTYtPViwtI4Ahgb70zcwe/s1600/IMG_1374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HP6ann9LGLUBt08L6t-6iuaB9354CMhdpVei0l2ITwwYETKx2E1nr3MJXZDPpz3YBg_XohRnXV4cPdSeGOrjfBX19idTAyCn8z6rXeufpuLZXqrrK5VDXcuUTYtPViwtI4Ahgb70zcwe/s400/IMG_1374.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boom. Matching Kleenex holder.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
THE KLEENEX HOLDER. I mean, COME ON. You get it, right? I totally had to have them. The lady selling them informed me that they were originally from the home of the people who owned the Finkl steel plant of blessed memory. So not only do we have a complete set of perfect condition 1970s era accoutrements, they also have wonderful Chicago history! I haggled down to $45 for the set, and CS agreed that I could bring them home as long as I put them somewhere he would never have to look at them. So into my dressing room they went. They are still kind of horrible, but for some reason I just love them, they make me smile. Plus they look sort of insane against the deep magenta of the walls, in a good way.</div>
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So there you have it! Necessity being the mother of invention and all that, I'm awfully pleased with how they turned out! </div>
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Coming up soon-ish, more rooms from upstairs and an elevator update!</div>
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<div>
Yours in Good Taste, (except for the hamper set)</div>
<div>
The Polymath</div>
Stacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-22325207270448532002017-05-03T16:00:00.003-05:002017-05-03T16:00:33.368-05:00Thinking AheadHello Chickens!<br />
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Spring is certainly taking its own sweet time here in Chicago, the rain has been relentless, the cold positively autumnal. But my hostas are a poppin' and our Mama Robin is back in her nest for the sixth year in a row, so we know it is going to settle in eventually.<br />
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And things here at the Chateau are really cranking along. Starting next week I'll be able to do the room-by-room design stuff, and I'm enormously excited about that! But today I want to talk about the future.<br />
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One of the things that can be difficult about renovations is that your focus is so much on the present. What do we need right now, how can life be made better/easier/prettier today? We know what needs fixing in the immediate, but sometimes forget to think about what we might need down the road.<br />
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How many people do you know who have spaces they renovated when their kids were small that now sit unused because the kids are out of the house? Or who have to completely redo projects that they completed not long ago because an aging family member comes to stay? <br />
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We knew when we began this project that we were looking at the long haul. We fully intend to be in this house until it is time for us to depart this earth, and we hope that means a very long time indeed. As such, when we began to design the building we took that into consideration with the renovations.<br />
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For example: There is only hardwood flooring throughout the house with no transition bumps or lips or changes in levels anywhere, and all hallways and doorways are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers should the need ever arise either permanently or temporarily. Both our master bath shower and the shower in the basement are walk-in with no lip and large enough for equipment if needed. We put Charming Suitor's office on the same level as our master bedroom, and put in a closet and it's own small full bath with shower so that if we ever need to have someone come live-in to care for us, it can be converted to a bedroom conveniently located. While we put our main kitchen on the second floor, an unusual choice for many, we are keeping the first floor kitchen as a catering/prep kitchen. This means that if ever the house gets too big for us, we can choose to deconvert it back to two duplexed apartments if we want.<br />
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In the kitchen, there are no upper cabinets. I'm 5'3" and not getting taller as I age, not to mention I'm a klutz, so since we were lucky enough to have the room to do everything undercounter, I know that as long as I can cook, I won't have to get up on a stepladder to reach my everyday dishes.<br />
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Our hope, since we don't have kids and have several couples who are dear friends who also don't have kids, is that we essentially have built our own future retirement facility! Think Golden Girls but with couples. Nice retirement communities are wildly expensive, and a lot of what you pay for is good food and good socializing opportunities. We figure if we just move our besties in with us, we get all the socializing, and we know the food is great! We will pool our resources, hire whatever help we need, and as long as no one needs memory care, we can be a bunch of fabulous independent old folks up in here.<br />
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Which brings me to the elevator.<br />
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Yes. We are installing an elevator. In fact, we are installing an elevator right this very second as I am typing this. I know this sounds like the ultimate chi-chi fancy Warren Buffett sort of thing to do. But I am here to tell you that not only is an elevator sort of shockingly affordable, it is something that I think anyone in a multi-level home they adore should look into. I know so many people who have had to leave their family homes before they really wanted or needed to because they just could not handle stairs anymore.<br />
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We are already middle-aged people with wonky ankles, bad knees, and backs that occasionally slip out of alignment. We have a house that is a total of four living levels, with 18 steps to get from level to level. That means when I'm in the basement to workout, it is 54 stairs to get to my bedroom. This is fine right now, but won't be in 20 years. And you had better believe I intend to be here in 20 years! <br />
When we were first designing the house I said we would need an elevator. And we would need the elevator to do a few unusual things. One, it would have to be able to open not only on each of the four floors, but also out the back in our parking pad at ground level. That means it would have to open on two contiguous sides, the front side and the left side. It would then also have to have some security features since one door is external to the building. And we would need it to be large enough to accommodate a wheelchair with a caregiver.<br />
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Lucky for us, we had the perfect spot! When the house was three apartments, there were a series of small powder rooms in the very back corner of the building, all stacked up on each other in perfect alignment. So we had a natural elevator shaft (or hoistway, as I have discovered the companies call them) just waiting for the interiors to be demoed and the floors to be removed to create 40 feet of elevator housing! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4kH0t9Mym9LcY1V4MFw7vjTbiEb7cO1ysVx5wJXmtjUoOh4O-MPff6Kmw1XgrzccCNb_CJ-dXWdan3UTHVartFgbG73mH8lVbG0zmzCQxZWKD7EEKv7kmTIyADumTvH7Rm-9ATA5VgMl/s1600/elevator+shaft+from+first+floor+to+roof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4kH0t9Mym9LcY1V4MFw7vjTbiEb7cO1ysVx5wJXmtjUoOh4O-MPff6Kmw1XgrzccCNb_CJ-dXWdan3UTHVartFgbG73mH8lVbG0zmzCQxZWKD7EEKv7kmTIyADumTvH7Rm-9ATA5VgMl/s400/elevator+shaft+from+first+floor+to+roof.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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This is looking up the shaft from the first floor to the roof, you can see the two doors and the blocked off windows!<br />
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When we started looking into elevator companies, there were several local folks specializing in residential elevators. But only one could really do everything we wanted in our budget. That was <a href="https://www.ehls.com/">Extended Home Living S</a>ervices and their home elevator arm <a href="https://www.tothetopelevators.com/">To The Top Home Elevators</a>. From the first meeting they were great, giving us all of the information on how to get an elevator that would work best for our ongoing needs. They had all the best stuff, both hydraulic and winding drum mechanisms available, all sorts of options for the interior of the cab, and most importantly, they could do a residential elevator that would be able to do the full building and have the essential two-side opening feature! It has all sorts of extra features like accordion style gates that open and close automatically, the ability to turn it off completely when we go out of town, and an external access security system that uses a punch code to call the elevator, which means that when my family comes to visit and they park behind the house, they can just punch in the code and come right on in!<br />
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We got to pick interior finishes, which I will share later, but you can go as simple or fancy as you like. We went with winding drum instead of hydraulic since it is a bit easier to maintain. And when I tell you that we were truly blown away by how affordable this thing is, let me just say that it is less than half of what it is going to cost us to redo the stairs. Yeah. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUtq6BbNkdFPM6v2PMprPUBpUKPHungUweezQxZMRwX1UYReD-_5BQ1PeV0sS1qTLiHPHrAnrg3LLByJQ0ihlnIgUttk8wKHB6TbSdTlJwVb2sIvmqXK3WK9FwNqRMiU376V2IjkKae0M/s1600/IMG_1324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUtq6BbNkdFPM6v2PMprPUBpUKPHungUweezQxZMRwX1UYReD-_5BQ1PeV0sS1qTLiHPHrAnrg3LLByJQ0ihlnIgUttk8wKHB6TbSdTlJwVb2sIvmqXK3WK9FwNqRMiU376V2IjkKae0M/s400/IMG_1324.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is our elevator being delivered!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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My contractors were able to prep the hoistway on their own and said it was pretty straightforward with the input EHLS gave them. But if you don't have a convenient spot already in your house like we did, you can actually build an elevator shaft on the outside of your home in a good location and then just open doorways to get internal access. Who knew?<br />
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Lucky for us, at the moment, we don't need any of their other services like stair lifts or ramps or stuff, but they do it all for accessible living. And while affordable elevators doesn't mean cheap elevators, if the only thing preventing you from getting another 10-15 years out of loving your house is a flight or two of stairs, they start to look practically cheap. If you have a parent who really doesn't want to leave the family home, and is still able to be independent but for your concern about stairs, I cannot recommend strongly enough that you at least call someone to come take a look and see what is possible. By the time you add up the cost of fixing a home up for sale, finding a new one, paying for moving expenses etc., you might find the cost is a wash!<br />
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Stay tuned, there will be more elevator updates as it gets installed.<br />
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Yours in Good Taste,<br />
The Polymath<br />
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<br />Stacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-59081208431900765292017-04-05T13:25:00.000-05:002017-04-05T13:25:03.945-05:00Color Me Happy!Hello Chickens!<br />
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In case you missed it, our lovely kitchen was profiled in the Washington Post! <br />
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Read the article <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/realestate/chicago-food-writer-creates-a-home-kitchen-for-serious-entertaining/2017/03/30/f76665be-0a8a-11e7-b77c-0047d15a24e0_story.html?utm_term=.fe99604c3e99">HERE</a>.<br />
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Things are hopping over here at the chateau, floors are being patched and refurbished, tile is going in, doors are being installed...it is very exciting! Which means it is time for the color conversation.<br />
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For those of you who have been with me for the whole process, I will jump right in. For those who might have missed the previous posts on paint and color choices, I refer to back to <a href="http://blog.polymathchronicles.net/2015/02/color-my-world.html">THIS</a> and <a href="http://blog.polymathchronicles.net/2016/01/color-dont-be-scared.html">THIS</a>.<br />
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Once again we are working with the amazing team at Sherwin-Williams. As we did before, we looked to their current <a href="https://images.sherwin-williams.com/content_images/sw-pdf-cm17-fandeck.pdf">Colormix 2017</a> for inspiration, and they did not disappoint. They spend the whole year looking into color trends and ideas, and while we aren't looking necessarily to do the "new best thing", since we are hoping for something timeless in this house, we have always found that the way they think about color can be really exciting and take us in unexpected directions. <br />
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As always, we look at the floor as a whole, and how it integrates into the rest of the house. The third floor is different. It is our sanctuary, our getaway, our oasis. There is not a single "public" space on the third level, so the color choices here are less about how they work with the rest of the house and more about how they just work for the two of us. From the moment you begin to ascend the stairs to the third floor, you are entering a very different space. This has actually been somewhat freeing, since we don't have to think about guests and how they will interact with the spaces, but rather, just about the two of us. <br />
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As I have mentioned before, the functions of these spaces are pretty basic. The master bedroom for sleeping, obviously, but also has a reading nook and a small area with a television. We each have our own dressing room, which we are VERY excited about. Charming Suitor is looking forward to not tripping over my endless shoes when he is getting dressed. The commode room has the main toilet and a sink, and will also serve as my vanity space for hair and makeup. The master bathroom has his and hers sinks, a lovely soaking tub, and a large two-person shower. The laundry room also has tons of storage and folding space, there is a small hall closet, and then CS's office and office bathroom. <br />
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We sat down with the Colormix brochure and took a look at what direction they think color is headed right now.<br />
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The first inspiration was NOIR. Sherwin-Williams describes it this way:<br />
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<i>It’s among our most precious commodities: night. We’re craving a refuge from urban streetlights and glowing screens, space to turn our gaze inward and recharge the spirit. Mindful melancholy is fueling a new romanticism marked by medieval patterns, revived customs and bittersweet beauty. The Dutch masters knew the secret: dark hues set a dramatic stage for sensuous luster. This palette is rich with vineripe fruits, Nordic blues, moody neutrals and golden yellows.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDhJBx7W_zZ5PWFi6ir3Y5i6rrWDnAcDCD85GO8bTeMjedEe1uE89NvMLZc_xLE4dQL86MMGWBeKCBAyvK68knN8gYlYkzl3GK9lSL7q7uN2fCIykByphzumG_PkA7MxEZJX2YOeo1-lf/s1600/IMG_1255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDhJBx7W_zZ5PWFi6ir3Y5i6rrWDnAcDCD85GO8bTeMjedEe1uE89NvMLZc_xLE4dQL86MMGWBeKCBAyvK68knN8gYlYkzl3GK9lSL7q7uN2fCIykByphzumG_PkA7MxEZJX2YOeo1-lf/s400/IMG_1255.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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We were very drawn to the soothing cool pale blue-gray called Icelandic that was part of this collection, and chose it for the master bedroom. We wanted to keep the light airy feel in this large space, and a color that would be Zen-like and calming. The furniture in this room will pull from taupes, straw colors, pale grays and silvers, with wood and metal accents, and the pale blue-gray will really allow all those other things to blend beautifully. It was a bit nerve-wracking, since CS is not a fan of pale blue, so it was essential that the color have enough gray in it. We ended up with a slightly different shade, called North Star, and it changes colors gorgeously throughout the day. In the morning it is very light blue-gray, by midday it deepens a bit, at disk it goes more blue, sort of matching the sky, and at night it reads more gray. CS really loves it, whew!<br />
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The second inspiration was HOLISTIC. Sherwin-Williams says:<br />
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<i>Sustainable design and radical transparency are the new standards. As our daily transactions move further into the cloud, acquiring experiences is becoming preferable to buying more things. “Doing good” is the new looking good, and it’s taking the form of “voluntourism,” healing retreats and eco-travel. We’re in pursuit of an elusive ideal: a fair luxury. The roads of this journey are lined with arctic neutrals, blush rose and wild browns.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnZNuyR5KOZSHw7FR7IkxxDPG-MBpyaTE5P4bFcJQpT4heyjjVtkcRPYvzKpHlcg6uYssPWxdPxoygh6qpXiTsrOj2ubFJZOPkpHC-K5TilPKo2w1KlMcj2hZ5vT2DI-vNpHDAYP6QmHf/s1600/IMG_1256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnZNuyR5KOZSHw7FR7IkxxDPG-MBpyaTE5P4bFcJQpT4heyjjVtkcRPYvzKpHlcg6uYssPWxdPxoygh6qpXiTsrOj2ubFJZOPkpHC-K5TilPKo2w1KlMcj2hZ5vT2DI-vNpHDAYP6QmHf/s400/IMG_1256.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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We loved the ideas behind this collection, as well as the palette. We pulled the pale gray Stardew as our inspiration for the master bathroom, and the Deep Forest brown for both Charming Suitor's dressing room and the laundry room. CS's dressing room will be very masculine, so it felt like a terrific choice. And the laundry room has all white cabinets and white washer/dryer, so the deep chocolately brown will make for a nice backdrop. And we have used that sort of deep brown in other spaces in the house and really love the way it looks.<br />
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The third inspiration was INTREPID. From Sherwin-Williams:<br />
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<i>The virtual and the real are blurring in the form of seamless commerce and “office anywhere” collaboration. Impatient for social and political change, we’re reinventing ourselves first. Identity has never been more fluid. “You do you” is the mantra of a generation primed for self-expression, cheered on by their own #squad and tossing aside old categories. There’s a feisty energy to our present moment, arriving in fiery tones and vibrant, kimono colors.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBU2GMpN_gAIsPDplyv3G9zm-VfVsPHpwoCmLmOr5HNeMGosDPJ7Cn6D60toPPW1TuCe5NuhC9niMJBnl4QoX26z1aY1-4vNzV8LU4rp3f8xffIC9QZjxQmtwsvfG5SkorepMPE0lYEjI/s1600/IMG_1257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBU2GMpN_gAIsPDplyv3G9zm-VfVsPHpwoCmLmOr5HNeMGosDPJ7Cn6D60toPPW1TuCe5NuhC9niMJBnl4QoX26z1aY1-4vNzV8LU4rp3f8xffIC9QZjxQmtwsvfG5SkorepMPE0lYEjI/s400/IMG_1257.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I really loved the energy of this group of colors. I know you have all been with me long enough to know that I'm not afraid of color, and love to be surrounded by rich vibrant color where it works...hence the deep blue guest room, the peacock teal bathroom, and the bright orange ovens in the kitchen! While we wanted the third-floor suite to be our soothing spa-like getaway, we didn't want that to be bland and boring. After all, when you go to a spa, it can be very energizing as well as relaxing. So we really thought about the various spaces and what happens in them when looking at color. The bedroom, naturally, needed to be calming since that is a place of sleep and quiet. The master bath as well lent itself to that soothing feeling of light and cool. But my dressing room? That is a place I want to be fun and vibrant, and the Kimono Violet spoke to me. I have purple hair, it should not be a surprise that I loved this one! When we tested that particular color in the space, it didn't work very well with the light that is in that room, it made it muddy instead of luxuriously bright, so I ended up picking a color called Dynamo, which worked much better but still had that magenta/violet feel I was looking for. Same was true for the commode room, which is where I will have my vanity for hair and makeup and the like. I loved the Citronella color from this palette, the deep lichen green felt bright but also luxurious but it went a little too mustard yellow in the space, so we ended up picking a similar color called Grandiose, which was perfect.<br />
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The last inspiration was UNBOUNDED. Sherwin-Williams describes it as:<br />
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<i>Global immigration is redefining borderlands, national identity and our sense of coexistence. We’re all citizens of the world now. Brands are becoming more purpose-driven, communities more connected. Design is adapting to more diverse populations. Overconsumption is, well, over. We’re more likely to invest in the best we can afford — crafted and customized — and then keep it forever. Global consciousness is a mural painted in earthy mustards, ocean blues, corals and mud.</i><br />
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Charming Suitor really responded to this palette and immediately chose the deep green Saguaro for his office. It will be a great backdrop to some of his artwork, and I think it brings out the green in his eyes! <br />
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As we have recommended before, we are unifying the space with all white on ceilings, hallway walls, as well as trim and doors, which allows us to use the various colors without making the spaces look like fruit salad.<br />
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We also chose white for the small bathroom off of CS's office, since it has a lot going on in a small space, so we wanted to keep it clean and bright.<br />
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So, here is the palette we ended up with :<br />
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You can see how all the colors work together. I've got them laid out in my Sherwin-Williams portfolio, which I use to keep track of all of the colors for the whole house in case I need to reference it. (Yes, I continue to be a terrible photographer, so the deep magenta of my dressing room is coming out weirdly red in this picture, but wait till you see it on the walls!)<br />
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As soon as the spaces are painted I will post the updated pics!<br />
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Much more coming soon....<br />
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Yours in Good Taste,<br />
The Polymath<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Sherwin-Williams has provided discounted product for this project, but all opinions are, as always, my own.</i></span>Stacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-26120701761745872412017-03-29T11:19:00.002-05:002017-03-29T11:42:30.958-05:00One Year Anniversary of the NEW KITCHEN!Hello Chickens-<br />
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As promised, I wanted to give you the one year anniversary update on the kitchen. I know for many of you, and certainly for me, the kitchen was the most exciting part of our entire renovation. Since this blog is most often a cooking and entertaining blog, it is no shock to anyone that the kitchen took the most research and was the most nerve-wracking part of the whole house to design. In general, if you are lucky, you get one shot at your dream kitchen, and you definitely don't want to screw it up!<br />
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So I thought I would circle back one year in and let you know how things are going.<br />
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Firstly, a lot of people thought we were crazy with the layout of our kitchen. Choosing to model a home kitchen on a zoned restaurant kitchen takes away all of the "rules" we were taught about home kitchens, that you need a triangle of space connecting the stove and the fridge and the prep area, that you should limit your need to move around the space and such. So we were already outside the box when we created a zone for both cold and pantry storage, two zones for cooking sharing one prep space and one cleaning space and a separate zone across the room for baking, all of which does require some thought about how to organize yourself.<br />
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The good news? It works PERFECTLY. Again, our kitchen design is not for everyone, if you are a family with kids, especially little ones, this would probably be a nightmare. But for us, for the way we cook, it has been a godsend. We have officially done a full year of holiday cooking and serving, a year of eating just the two of us, and eating with friends. We have done our everyday simple dinners, and weekend complex dinners and every permutation in between. Yes we have continued to tweak some things about what is stored where, to help limit the running around, and have had some surprising things we hadn't anticipated....like needing three salt cellars so that each cooking area has its own readily accessible! Overall, we keep saying that there is not a thing we would change about how the space works or about the materials and appliances we chose, which is pretty amazing.<br />
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Here are some of the gamechangers for us:<br />
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Our old kitchen was the size of a postage stamp, it was hard enough to cook with the two of us, let alone adding anyone else. But the scale of this space is so lovely and well thought out that it is now a joy to bring other people into the kitchen! I've started a regular "cooking class" days with my goddaughter, her mom, another dear friend and her daughter, and one of my besties from high school. The six of us get together every 6 weeks or so to do a day of cooking, usually based on what the girls (11 and 12) want to learn to make. We've done breads and soup, cupcakes, brownies, mandel bread, other cookies, and in a couple of weeks we are going to tackle eclairs! There is plenty of room for all six of us to move and participate, and the island is a great place for us all to gather for decorating our goodies. I never could have done this in the old kitchen, and these days are some of my favorites in the new space, I think we are building really special memories, and I hope these days continue for as long as we can convince the girls to hang out with old people.<br />
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After the election a dear friend reached out to say that he was feeling a bit adrift and asked if could we plan a super farty French dinner party where we could cook all day and make stuff he hadn't done since culinary school. It was an easy yes on my end, and the two of us spent an entire day in the kitchen, making puff pastry from scratch and chicken galantine, Marjolaine cake and Paris Brest, stuffed breast of veal and braised endives and a potato gratin. We had both ovens going at once, and often I was working something on the gas range while he was working the induction. He could do a turn and fold on the puff pastry in the baking area while I was fussing over a sauce across the room, and since I was in the other section of the kitchen, his space stayed cool and uncluttered. We knocked out an 8-course dinner for 7 people, and served and ate it in the kitchen, and the whole thing was smooth and fun, including the cleanup. A total win!<br />
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We've also done some larger holiday meals, and our annual New Year's Eve party where we cooked upstairs in the kitchen and served downstairs in the formal dining room. This too worked even better than we anticipated. While I do have to do some pre-planning to ensure that menus lend themselves to the arrangement, Thanksgiving, Fakesgiving, Passover and NYE all went without a hitch, and are about to get even better (stay tuned for why...). We were able to cook upstairs, and hold things in the warming drawers, cold things could get stashed in the downstairs kitchen so they were out of our way upstairs, and between the oven and burners in the downstairs kitchen and a couple of slow cookers, once we were downstairs, we never had to scamper back up till the meal was done.<br />
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And entertaining in the kitchen is wonderful. We have done many small dinners, 4-6 people, which is beyond easy, but I also did my mom's birthday ladies luncheon for 9, a brunch for 14 , and a cocktail party for 20 for Charming Suitor's whole office! The "chef's table" can seat up to 10 with the leaves in, making casual dinner parties super easy, and with the four seats at the counter, we can do seated for 14! There is enough room to move around that a standing cocktail party was totally comfortable. What has been really terrific is that when we just have one other couple over for dinner, we can do cocktails and nibbles right in the kitchen instead of the den, so we don't have to miss snippets of conversation when checking on dinner!<br />
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All in all, we could not be more delighted and would not change one thing! Here is a roundup of the major picks we made, and how they are functioning:<br />
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<a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/">Poggenpohl</a> Cabinets: We went with all lowers, since I am super short and I like the clean look of no uppers, and almost all drawers except for the corner cabinet solutions. These have been a dream, they hold all the stuff we needed them to hold, up to 200 pounds per drawer! And the smooth function and amazing organization inserts have been the stuff of genius. Cabinets are one of those things that you really don't appreciate until you have exceptionally good ones!<br />
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<a href="http://www.dekton.com/usa/">Dekton</a> Countertops: You all know the saga of the countertops and how much we love our partners <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CosentinoChicago/">Cosentino</a> and <a href="http://stonemasters99.com/">StoneMasters</a> for hanging in there with us, but the results have been well worth the drama. The counters are gorgeous, and despite our best efforts, we have not been able to stain, scratch or scorch them. They look amazing and have been the perfect choice. Everyone comments on how gorgeous they look and feel, with their suede finish, but I keep extolling their functionality. I've been baking more and more, and can roll things right on the surface with about 1/4 the amount of flour as other surfaces, which means my biscuits are fluffier, and with all the sourdough I'm making lately, I don't have to flour the surface at all, giving me really good surface tension on my breads. I can pull a cast iron Dutch oven out of a 500 degree oven and put it right down, no trivets! This has made using our island as a buffet super easy, everything just goes right down without a worry. And even better, on baking days with the girls, we've been able to use commerical strength food coloring powders, which notoriously get everywhere and stain permanently, and while we have stained our fingers and shirts and aprons, the counters get wiped up and not a mark on them. I would absolutely do them again.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bluestarcooking.com/">BlueStar </a>Range, Hood and Ovens: I cannot recommend this company enough. These were the first decision we made for the kitchen, and it has proven to have been the best possible thing on every level. The range with the four burners and 24 inch French Top has made our everyday cooking a dream, the flexibility is just amazing. I have melted chocolate on the simmer burner with no double boiler, and have done extreme high heat wok cooking by removing the center rings from the French top. I have done huge batches of stock on the French top, in my giant rondeau that used to have to go over two burners and never heated properly, and the high heat burners are getting great sears on our steaks. The range is easy to clean, and we love the simple intuitive design. The hood is super powerful, so when we are doing those steaks we don't smoke out the kitchen, and I can finally make fish at home and not stink up the place for a week! The gas oven has been amazing for roasting, but the electric oven has really changed my life. The flexibility of the different cooking programs are still things that I am exploring, but I am baking more and more and enjoying more than I ever have. The built-in baking stone has been the most important thing, as I am now making sourdough breads regularly, and getting insanely crunchy crusts! I'm about to start playing with pizza, so stay tuned for those adventures. I have three other friends who have all purchased BlueStar ranges since we got ours, and everyone raves. If you take only one thing away from our kitchen experience, it is whatever kitchen you are doing, check out BlueStar for sure!<br />
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<a href="https://www.agamarvel.com/marvel/">Marvel</a> Fridge Freezer, wine fridge and cheese fridge: The 72-inch side by side has completely changed our lives for the better. Suddenly there is room in the freezer to really sock away stuff, so I can finally make big batches of homemade stock like I always wanted to, and not take up the whole freezer. That includes stashing old bones and carcasses and veggie scraps until I have enough for stock. I can start prepping for holiday meals a month out. I can put full sheet trays in the fridge! The fridge stays organized with the help of a bunch of clear plastic bins, and I always know where everything is. But I no longer have to remove all of the regular inhabitants when I load in groceries for a big party...everything just fits! Glorious. The wine fridge has been really great, Charming Suitor keeps it full of a variety of everyday wines, as well as the vermouth, Lillet, and other cocktail making supplies that used to take up a ton of room in the regular fridge. And the cheese fridge has been wonderful, we are getting twice to three times the life out of our cheeses and charcuterie as we used to in the regular fridge!<br />
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<a href="http://www.gaggenau.com/us/">Gaggenau </a>Induction Cooktop, steamer and warming drawers: Working with induction cookery has been really fun, the speed is astounding (boiling water in mere moments), but the range of temps is also amazing (perfect poached eggs), and since it puts off no heat, it has been terrific for cooking last minute stuff with guests over, since I can face them while I cook and not wilt everyone's hairdo. The warming drawers are in almost daily use, from just gently heating our dinner plates, to holding cooked foods until dinner time, to helping me proof breads. But it is the steamer that was the total surprise. This thing is amazing. From making steamed veggies for quick dinners to holding classic Chicago hot dogs and the buns nice and warm for a party, it's been making our life so much easier! We've gotten addicted to steamed new potatoes, which taste so much more potato-y than boiled ones. And our annual love affair with artichokes has been powerfully improved. The ease of cleanup, just drain and wipe out the base and stick the lid and steamer insert right in the dishwasher, makes it a dream.<br />
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<a href="http://lacornueusa.com/home">LaCornue</a> Rotisserie: You guys know that I wanted this thing like it was my JOB. Thank goodness for a milestone birthday just preceding the kitchen project, I will be forever grateful for turning 45. It is the gift that keeps on giving. Super easy, we do chicken at least once a week. Nothing fancy, straight out of the fridge with a spray of oil and a sprinkle of salt, and an hour later there is the perfect crispy-skinned super juicy chicken that somehow manages to taste seasoned to the bone despite no brining or special prep. We will do potatoes underneath, or our new obsession, cabbage, which cooks and caramelizes in the chicken fat and juices and chars on the edges. That and a green vegetable in the steamer and we have a quick and easy meal that practically made itself. People can invite themselves for dinner at 4PM, and all I have to do is get this thing going and there is no sweat. We've done leg of lamb, and even a whole pineapple for an unusual summer dessert. The only issue for us was that even though the company swears it does not need extra ventilation? It totally does. When we first started cooking with it, it set off the carbon monoxide detector every time, forcing us to cook with the back door open. So we recently installed a super quiet exhaust fan in the ceiling above it, and problem was solved. We were lucky because having the construction happening upstairs meant that we had easy access to drop it in from above, but if you are considering one for your home, be sure to plan a ceiling exhaust fan from the start. The true bonus is that with all these rotisserie chickens, I stash carcasses in our awesome freezer, so I never have to buy bones for stock!<br />
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<a href="https://www.mieleusa.com/">Miele</a> Dishwashers: These things are getting constant use, and while having two of them has been really wonderful for big parties, the fact is that for everyday or smaller dinners with one other couple, one is really all we need for cleanup! They are so well-designed and flexible that everything always manages to fit. The silverware drawer on top mean no more picking food bits off between spoons that got stuck together, and with the moveable racks, I can fit my tallest stock pot, and sheet pans with ease. But there is no question, if you love to cook and entertain, that second dishwasher is like a little miracle. And even better, they run so silently, that we can have a dinner party in the kitchen with the prep stuff running, and no one notices!<br />
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<a href="http://www.blanco-germany.com/en_us/en_us/home.html">Blanco</a> sinks and faucets: Last but not least, our pair of sinks with their professional grade faucets have finally made cleanup easy. The deep bowls hold plenty of stuff, and make cleaning larger pots and pans and serving pieces super easy. The elevated grates on the bottom have saved me a couple of time when I was filling pots and got a phone call! And all of the various extras, like the inset strainers and cutting boards have made them uber functional.<br />
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<a href="http://larchwoodcanada.com/?v=7516fd43adaa">Larchwood Canada</a> custom butcher block: This 5 inch thick butcher block has now seen a full year of slicing and dicing and chopping and it still looks amazing. The self-healing larchwood requires only an occasional treatment of butcher block conditioner and you can barely tell that we actually chop on it. It looks spectacular, and we love not having to pull out cutting boards every second.<br />
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We are so grateful to our partners at all of these amazing companies for helping us do the research, guiding us through the processes, and being at our sides, not only in the decision making process, but throughout delivery, install, and even checking in to be sure that everything is continuing to work well for us. It was so much fun to work with companies who really listened to what it is we were trying to achieve, and have them guide us towards the perfect choices. Poggenpohl even sent a wonderful photographer, Mike Kaskel, to take the amazing pics below!<br />
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That is the official one-year update on the kitchen, coming up this week...color choices for the third floor!<br />
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Yours in Good Taste,<br />
The Polymath<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you BELIEVE what these drawers can hold????</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happiest girl ever!<br />
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Stacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-3667769122317210562017-03-20T15:33:00.001-05:002017-03-20T15:33:39.175-05:00Quick tourChickens-<br />
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Get ready, because I'm about to be back with a vengeance! Not only have I finally finished edits on the new novel, but because the third floor suite is drywalled, primed, and about to be painted! So here is a quick tour of the blank canvas spaces, in preparation for the discussions of color choices and design elements that will be coming at you in the weeks ahead!<br />
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Also, I have some reports from the 2017 Housewares Show with some really cool new gadgets, and an update on how the first year in the new kitchen went!<br />
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So just to wet your whistles...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHF2spZ9eiDOco8-9AF-YND95B6UDKGdU8oyCFXIo-zlWRe5ouomHIIN8XA0apcY4rw24tc0I8CPIckWqyW3xmXLp03RNZiCdue6fnpFZGrc1YkuIeSQecTroQfwwTw4L10zY8OcGdk-z/s1600/IMG_1205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHF2spZ9eiDOco8-9AF-YND95B6UDKGdU8oyCFXIo-zlWRe5ouomHIIN8XA0apcY4rw24tc0I8CPIckWqyW3xmXLp03RNZiCdue6fnpFZGrc1YkuIeSQecTroQfwwTw4L10zY8OcGdk-z/s400/IMG_1205.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the entrance to the Master Bedroom at the top of the stairs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvxSi7XEp0oNvc_QyiTUcdeyHLvxC04KEi9oGt7h5_V_YvT45n9zT2DFYUk9t0pNVXx_-bpS-Qh2o3xJfYHljUz2X8G3TnnNZ5GBpx2z81Z3JyyvJyIa3WqPTLXno_PYuzVb8MIBJjZ1O/s1600/IMG_1206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvxSi7XEp0oNvc_QyiTUcdeyHLvxC04KEi9oGt7h5_V_YvT45n9zT2DFYUk9t0pNVXx_-bpS-Qh2o3xJfYHljUz2X8G3TnnNZ5GBpx2z81Z3JyyvJyIa3WqPTLXno_PYuzVb8MIBJjZ1O/s400/IMG_1206.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This will be a small cozy place for us to watch TV.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiot_OudZmVGUUDaZITBtAdnNCKUniIGOiStqr0uBzLmRiPs2bRWUc8Hm0u6hca0AEqxvfO3eNsGt4foQeyr3zu45bf8SQxb9WITHSqN64ng3CxkjeDgS8yC2FgjyZ0WgqEfFNnkQx-4fU2/s1600/IMG_1207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiot_OudZmVGUUDaZITBtAdnNCKUniIGOiStqr0uBzLmRiPs2bRWUc8Hm0u6hca0AEqxvfO3eNsGt4foQeyr3zu45bf8SQxb9WITHSqN64ng3CxkjeDgS8yC2FgjyZ0WgqEfFNnkQx-4fU2/s400/IMG_1207.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I always wanted a bedroom with a bright sunny reading nook...<br />the turret is going to be the perfect place to snuggle up with a great book!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNe5B1I2htkR-cvGY_ePatETQYR5C_A8yuTF1sv4L6NsDFpd4Gq2mhN3XdE4yTxOUyPE5AV1eDJtmp6Lkyx8w78hxAJTO6hXW5DJ8JxliwkBX8sKrJSkuCrvNyfYICjMR0HBaZCY4d3pNk/s1600/IMG_1209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNe5B1I2htkR-cvGY_ePatETQYR5C_A8yuTF1sv4L6NsDFpd4Gq2mhN3XdE4yTxOUyPE5AV1eDJtmp6Lkyx8w78hxAJTO6hXW5DJ8JxliwkBX8sKrJSkuCrvNyfYICjMR0HBaZCY4d3pNk/s400/IMG_1209.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where the bed will go. I'm amazed at how bright it is up here, after 22 years sleeping on the first floor, <br />and another two in the basement, the idea of all of this light is just delightful!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsY-btCjxlzdxOydY1kE8hleWq57CapFnhQnDFBvszs88APzvBKzjptHRFYRFOac_XhlUYFg-ygR8w46K9IBp6xOJebeFhXcZrMDXPqj2RSEVcW3z9TP5E_jSPpYQ7rv_xlPQxGC9EzBRe/s1600/IMG_1210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsY-btCjxlzdxOydY1kE8hleWq57CapFnhQnDFBvszs88APzvBKzjptHRFYRFOac_XhlUYFg-ygR8w46K9IBp6xOJebeFhXcZrMDXPqj2RSEVcW3z9TP5E_jSPpYQ7rv_xlPQxGC9EzBRe/s400/IMG_1210.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This will be Charming Suitor's dressing room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCku3TLWGlFY-Li13lnohciQn43s-2pfbihkem27RNuCD57uNKvefOfuQFEgo14TXEKr53R2oySpKUB_EqAhSIqjrhLWhNOMCqb4m8e2eRlX-ZuBm4MIPDf9639ki0qkx4V0-LLWy9Pqph/s1600/IMG_1211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCku3TLWGlFY-Li13lnohciQn43s-2pfbihkem27RNuCD57uNKvefOfuQFEgo14TXEKr53R2oySpKUB_EqAhSIqjrhLWhNOMCqb4m8e2eRlX-ZuBm4MIPDf9639ki0qkx4V0-LLWy9Pqph/s400/IMG_1211.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This will be my dressing room. Yes, CS has noticed the discrepancy in size. I blame the shoes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The commode room. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Master Bath entrance.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnn4MOXdkVc3Ry_yqLWblNdzmW19LEW_zldOBZPhgYlmqPjbLatVS2EFqZo6yYQYx_tJoGz6PcUT9fqYr0CeC8cSpYP8fMQwvW7S8EWUskY_3xtSZleGsZaaO3xbtPnhxkHsyqS0G5La6b/s1600/IMG_1215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnn4MOXdkVc3Ry_yqLWblNdzmW19LEW_zldOBZPhgYlmqPjbLatVS2EFqZo6yYQYx_tJoGz6PcUT9fqYr0CeC8cSpYP8fMQwvW7S8EWUskY_3xtSZleGsZaaO3xbtPnhxkHsyqS0G5La6b/s400/IMG_1215.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CS and I each have a vanity nook.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8E2cbrhO8rDjlzJBMKBzYqp8bcdz2pxTqISpNLBXjavIuxKAr3wNaYJ23Y2eQ9-zGv7J4BZ74ENw2pkqQydYIBT5z7ONJJ3tPct7nkJ_Q3LXgR5gVdbhjQDiKaXxX8GY66FMK2cUXHgd/s1600/IMG_1216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8E2cbrhO8rDjlzJBMKBzYqp8bcdz2pxTqISpNLBXjavIuxKAr3wNaYJ23Y2eQ9-zGv7J4BZ74ENw2pkqQydYIBT5z7ONJJ3tPct7nkJ_Q3LXgR5gVdbhjQDiKaXxX8GY66FMK2cUXHgd/s400/IMG_1216.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where the bathtub will live.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQZmG8d7IRs-tcpIjUebT3WKypNJwvmb7g3rHYN2-vqHGnqvdNV6Eji5oKpDVZfOWsQSK8hc0hWjGQHoxf05_jolGXY6Ku8rp7YNWYYuWD8ccDGhm9wx1IQQzCQUJ5qUumv5HOgrmANXI/s1600/IMG_1217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQZmG8d7IRs-tcpIjUebT3WKypNJwvmb7g3rHYN2-vqHGnqvdNV6Eji5oKpDVZfOWsQSK8hc0hWjGQHoxf05_jolGXY6Ku8rp7YNWYYuWD8ccDGhm9wx1IQQzCQUJ5qUumv5HOgrmANXI/s400/IMG_1217.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shower.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjvxzaqbUqRcO91yf_SSS_HvOUKi_qTiudQPx-P4LkqCHLFNdwv93IbHM6FokJFSr3RQefaYOJN4HZi72yIOe9OlYUGiQNKBw-e7aq5WsHxpjiKDhyu4JVQwZUazeRwJFFO58G7aVxxt9/s1600/IMG_1218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjvxzaqbUqRcO91yf_SSS_HvOUKi_qTiudQPx-P4LkqCHLFNdwv93IbHM6FokJFSr3RQefaYOJN4HZi72yIOe9OlYUGiQNKBw-e7aq5WsHxpjiKDhyu4JVQwZUazeRwJFFO58G7aVxxt9/s400/IMG_1218.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laundry room and storage.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1ZnJi5baSjqfWdo7AM28tSTrkPsn-lchU-mlqR7-BOg9K9PwgAOFXeZr9gTg2SP36HaztbxFIFuZmuEli9UVih4ZEbIzHbVi3QIWTIx1AdokZwO8y-8mTX7qCWEgRUr17TbJK7zB8M_a/s1600/IMG_1219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1ZnJi5baSjqfWdo7AM28tSTrkPsn-lchU-mlqR7-BOg9K9PwgAOFXeZr9gTg2SP36HaztbxFIFuZmuEli9UVih4ZEbIzHbVi3QIWTIx1AdokZwO8y-8mTX7qCWEgRUr17TbJK7zB8M_a/s400/IMG_1219.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Utility closet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94hGpQuTjIeXiWlhwwJJJ7Wtw7Mu8bk0tVH657FCvgOFyDWevcMRBI0SOH8BD9z1yigfQDmCo__pbjLOpcwJY1c-KWnzlgCi0Po2pyLoc_kdjUujtZcDCj2VcHPyZvtnKfKdazNCLntQm/s1600/IMG_1220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94hGpQuTjIeXiWlhwwJJJ7Wtw7Mu8bk0tVH657FCvgOFyDWevcMRBI0SOH8BD9z1yigfQDmCo__pbjLOpcwJY1c-KWnzlgCi0Po2pyLoc_kdjUujtZcDCj2VcHPyZvtnKfKdazNCLntQm/s400/IMG_1220.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bathroom for CS's office.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl155Pwt61uAG-q-4NlsIGgYgWZIpjxKhWkL1z3viiJS9CyouyVxvMorOW81xrwi07ydxbmOmGFkYYQsNROyEIOx_RhDc3sbWNgC4nGL7SJ0bS77MpBcGcPpgcnnCtkPxeqTMFJ7bQeZ7K/s1600/IMG_1221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl155Pwt61uAG-q-4NlsIGgYgWZIpjxKhWkL1z3viiJS9CyouyVxvMorOW81xrwi07ydxbmOmGFkYYQsNROyEIOx_RhDc3sbWNgC4nGL7SJ0bS77MpBcGcPpgcnnCtkPxeqTMFJ7bQeZ7K/s400/IMG_1221.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CS's office/music room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That's the tour! Stay tuned, because we have made some bold and possibly surprising color choices with our friends at Sherwin-Williams, more about that soon. <br />
<br />
Anyone want to hazard any guesses about what colors we might have chosen for some of these spaces? Post your thoughts in the comments.<br />
<br />
Yours in good taste,<br />
The PolymathStacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-59282300261527785642017-02-23T10:28:00.001-06:002017-02-23T10:28:31.980-06:00Happy, um, Spring?Hello Chickens! <br />
<br />
Not sure what the weather is doing where you are, but here in Chicago it has been in the mid to high sixties for nearly a week. You know, classic February weather. The tree outside my window is all abud, the birds and squirrels are chattering noisily, and the work on the third floor is going<br />
swimmingly!<br />
<br />
In some good news, I am delighted to share with you the cover of my new book, which will be released in August!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfIqfBWIuAgSX1suQgnMpm265kZ8iE7vk5sfH4PpSWy06bnackfGMBQz49OvMQkb17fpFm4aoc6PUr4tMyYijctPdI9H8fj1HqYObwxQkfo45R_IGozDgctzxm0md65XMXOMmvMoqAJpJ/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfIqfBWIuAgSX1suQgnMpm265kZ8iE7vk5sfH4PpSWy06bnackfGMBQz49OvMQkb17fpFm4aoc6PUr4tMyYijctPdI9H8fj1HqYObwxQkfo45R_IGozDgctzxm0md65XMXOMmvMoqAJpJ/s400/IMG_0013.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Isn't it cute???? I'm really excited about this book, people. It is the story of Eloise, a personal chef who is perfectly content with her small cozy life. She loves the quirky family she works for, with their gaggle of kids. She dotes on her snarky other client, an elderly gay interior designer with a million opinions. Her best gal pal Marcy provides all the girl time she needs. She has her mom and aunt nearby and shares her comfy house with her adorable corgi. And then she reconnects with her two best friends from high school, and when the three of them agree to a bucket list bet in honor of their impending 40th birthdays, suddenly her life is blown wide open. There is dating and socializing and testing her boundaries, and Eloise doesn't know if it is the best or worst thing to ever happen to her. Essentially it is a book about whether the friends of our youth can or even should be the friends of our middle years, and about whether you really can teach an old dog new tricks. It is funny and full of good food and I think you will like it. Feel free to pre-order now, just so you don't forget! <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Change-Life-Stacey-Ballis-ebook/dp/B01MYPUM1X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1487867138&sr=8-2&keywords=how+to+change+a+life">PRE-ORDER HERE</a><br />
<br />
To give you the full Chateau update...<br />
<br />
As we have mentioned before, since I fell in love with a three flat and not a two flat, we ended up with an excess of space. And embarrassment of riches. After much discussion, Charming Suitor and I decided that if we were going to design the world's best house for entertaining and overnight guests, it might be smart to work in something of an oasis for ourselves. We have put so much time and effort and thought into making spaces for the people we bring into our home, that we wanted to be sure that we were creating some sacred space just for us. Private space. So we have chosen to use the entire third floor as our sanctuary, a master suite that we can escape to no matter how full the house is with family and friends. <br />
<br />
So here is the general plan:<br />
<br />
There is a large L-shaped bedroom space, with the bed on the long part of the L, a small sitting area with a television on the short part and since they meet at our turret, a large sunny area for reading with big comfy chairs.<br />
<br />
We each will have a walk-in dressing room, there is a commode room which will have the toilet, a sink, and an area for me to do hair and makeup. The master bathroom will have his and hers vanities, a large two-person walk-in shower, and a soaker tub. There is also a laundry room on this level, and CS's study/music room. <br />
<br />
It is essentially going to be the world's best hotel suite, except we will get to live in it all the time!<br />
<br />
We have passed our framing, HVAC, plumbing and eletrical inspections and have loaded in 153 sheets of 4'x12' drywall. As soon as that is up, then I can start to tell you about how the spaces are coming together, design wise, which is much more fun than ductwork and insulation! We are even putting is a secret bookshelf door...you know, like you do.<br />
<br />
But here are some pics of where we are now...just to catch you up!<br />
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Stay tuned for a video walk-thru as soon as drywall is up!<br />
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Yours in Good Taste,<br />
The Polymath<br />
<br />Stacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-81348956674866291872017-01-15T15:36:00.003-06:002017-01-15T15:36:39.810-06:00Grilled Cheese ManifestoChickens-<br />
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Happy New Year! I hope that you all had a wonderful festive season, full of family and friends and much deliciousness. Charming Suitor and I certainly did. We wined and dined and napped and binge-watched and cooked in and ate out and spent a lot of quality time with quality people. Despite the current political climate, we worked hard on focusing on the positive and celebrating our blessings. We had a terrific NYE party, for which this was the menu:<br />
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Boom.<br />
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The Chateau de Pamplemousse is back under construction full-force on Phase 3, which means that coming up shortly you will be getting a lot of information on the progress of the Master Bedroom Suite, which is awfully exciting. At the moment the entire third floor has been demo-ed, and frankly, I think you are all probably fairly sick of seeing pictures of framing and insulation at this point, so I'll focus more on the design elements of the spaces as they come together, as well as some really major decisions regarding bathrooms! Oh, and an elevator. You know, like you do.<br />
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Winter has settled in full-force, polar vortex and all, which always turns my fancy to soups. And since, for me, soup is nearly always mostly an excuse to have a grilled cheese sandwich, I was very excited to get invited to the Second Annual Grilled Cheese Takedown hosted by TimeOut Chicago. <br />
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Those of you who know me, know that I am something of a grilled cheese obsessive. I adore them. One of my fondest memories of overnight camp involves the rare treat of "grilled cheese day", where endless platters of perfectly cut triangles of plotchy golden buttery crunchy white bread oozing brilliant orange american cheese came out of the kitchen as fast as we could eat them. And we could eat as much as we wanted, which for me, was probably eleventy million triangles. <br />
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A good grilled cheese is a thing of beauty. It is simple, three ingredients, bread, butter, cheese. It is elemental. Salty, savory, buttery, crunchy, gooey. It is delightful on its own, but the perfect vehicle for a soup dunking. When CS and I go to visit our pals in Maine, and he begins his personal quest for eating his weight daily in lobster, I go full tilt boogie into grilled cheese, because the only thing those lobster roll shacks make that is as good as their lobster rolls is grilled cheese. I think in part it is because they know the value of a perfectly toasted buttered piece of bread. I order them for lunch in endless delis and diners wherever I roam, and it is the first thing I check for on a room service menu.<br />
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I make them at home when I'm in need of comfort, or feeling poorly. And I have rules. White bread only. Don't care if it is my homemade sourdough or Japanese pullman loaf, Texas Toast or even Pepperidge Farm Extra Thin, white it must be. Good salted butter, this is not the place for blandness. Butter the bread itself, don't just melt it in the pan, that way you get the butter over every speck of the bread for optimal golden goodness. I know a lot of people swear by mayo instead of butter, but I find mayo adds a slight sweetness that I don't love, I stick with the original. Bread goes butter side down in a cold nonstick pan, and good quality American cheese slices go on top of the bread, and then the heat goes on low. One slice of cheese per piece of bread of thin or regular size, an extra slice of cheese if you are working with Texas Toast or other thick-cut breads, balance and ratio are key. By the time the bread heats up enough to get golden and crispy at the low temp, the cheese on top should be melted, if the bread is thicker, I will use a lid to help the melting along. Low and slow, you want really crispy and golden brown on the outside and fully melted within. Once everything is nice and melty I flip the top of the sandwich over onto the bottom and give the whole sandwich a flip or two just to ensure all the browning is the way I want it. NO PRESSING! This is not a panini. Remove from the pan to a wire rack, very important, since you worked hard to get it crispy, and don't want the bottom to steam and get soggy. Rest it for three minutes, like you would rest a piece of meat before carving, just to let the cheese tighten up the tiniest bit, otherwise it will run all out when you cut the sandwich in half. On the diagonal, because we are not heathens, and the pointy bits are the best for soup dunking. You're welcome.<br />
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Grilled cheese, done well, with some thought and the simplest ingredients is a perfect food.<br />
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Here is my personal takeaway from the Grilled Cheese Takedown. <br />
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These people make amazing sandwiches. <br />
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Truly, some of them were insanely delicious. Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheese, one of my staples from the Logan Square Farmers Market, makes a terrific grilled cheese with Wisconsin Butterkäse that I adore. Her offering today, her Italian version tasted like delicious pizza bread with pepperoni and subtle garlic spread. Dusek's blew us away with a three-cheese truffle bomb with frisee jam, that was an amazing mouthful of richness. South Water kitchen had a killer sandwich full of bacon and chicken tenders, Cheesie's Pub and Grub introduced us to duck bacon, of which we approve whole heartedly. Wyler Road took an interesting turn down mashup lane with their PB&J Grilled Cheese, which was sadly marred by the decision to use brie as the cheese. Brie is never good in a 'melted on a sandwich' application. You lose the nuance of the cheese, and amp up the off-taste and texture of the rind, bad combo. Same Day Café had a killer tomato soup, and was on their way to grilled cheese perfection, but the volume of rosemary in the sandwich took it to a Pine Sol place that was disappointing. Michael Jordan's Steak House was doing short rib grilled cheese with a caramelized onion jus, but the short rib was sort of randomly placed, some bites had none, some were all short rib, the cheese had no flavor at all, and the bread was thick and very dry. The dunk in the jus helped the dryness, but was such a salt bomb that it didn't save anything. Jerry's we had saved for last, due in no small part to their "kitchen sink" approach, which included bacon, cashew butter, mango chipotle jam, arugula, and god knows what else. It was freaking delicious. Shockingly so. The perfect last bite to a pretty overall yummy experience. Rekorderling's Premium Cider was pouring both their pear and passionfruit ciders, I preferred the passionfruit, CS preferred the pear, but weirdly, we both preferred the sips where we blended the two half and half! And we were very glad we went, a fun Sunday lunch adventure, so thanks to TimeOut for the invite.<br />
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But here is the thing. It wasn't grilled cheese. In fact, NONE of the sandwiches in the grilled cheese takedown, were, in my opinion, grilled cheese, with the exception of Same Day Cafe. They were, almost all of them, really good sandwiches. Sandwiches I would absolutely recommend to others as sandwiches, or even order myself. As long as I wasn't craving grilled cheese. Because the essential thing about the grilled cheese sandwich? IS THE CHEESE. Cheese takes the lead, it isn't a garnish or an add on or the support staff. Cheese is supposed to be the star. And today, we had a lot of yummy flavors, but almost none of them were cheese. We tasted bacon and jam and chicken and truffles and cashews and blueberries and garlic and pepperoni and tomato and delicious breads, but I couldn't tell you one cheese we really tasted, except for the ill-conceived brie for not fun or delicious reasons. And the one sandwich that technically was grilled cheese, the rosemary was all we tasted, we couldn't taste the cheese at all, which was sad, because they had the rest of it just right, the crispy buttery bread, the ooey gooey temp, nice and hot. Sigh.<br />
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There is a reason that chefs, when testing other chefs for possible employment, will ask them to make a plain omelette or roast a chicken. Because in those dishes, there is nowhere to hide. Simple ingredients require perfect technique and only a good palate for seasoning to make them sing. The minute you start tarting them up with a zillion other ingredients, you start masking the essential elements of what they are. Which can be absolutely delicious, but not pure. I am usually a more is more girl, just ask CS. If one is good, a dozen is better. If you are bored with your usual tablescape, try adding glass bowls with live betta fish in them. (yes, I actually did this for NYE, and yes it was awesomely cool, and yes, it is possible that I might have worked the PetSmart 14 day return policy on live fish to my advantage, and no, I am not ashamed). <br />
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I think in a competition like this, you should be going for the platonic ideal. Chili competitions, BBQ competitions, no one is making shocking changes to the basics, they have their own spice blends or rubs, the length of the cook or the wood they use to smoke things over, but the essentials are the same, and then the question is whose technique and details make them the best when compared side by side. Charming Suitor asked me on the walk to the hall from the car what my criteria were. I said this: crispy golden browned bread that is not dry, well-melted flavorful cheese that is not greasy, cheese the star of the show. Well seasoned, not too salty, not too bland. Should be delicious all on its own, but you should be able to imagine it tasting great when dunked in a variety of soups. Simple.<br />
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I loved many of the sandwiches I ate today. But I didn't vote for my favorite grilled cheese because I felt like I hadn't eaten any. So I announce that my personal winner for the Chicago Grilled Cheese Takedown was a sandwich that wasn't competing. The Four Moon Tavern, in my humble opinion, makes the best grilled cheese I have ever eaten, and that includes my own, to which I am fairly partial. They use a great large Italian style sliced white loaf, good butter, good American cheese, it gets great crunch on the outside, good chew on the crust, and awesome gooeyness in the middle and they make a spectacular homemade tomato soup for serious dunking. It is a really good size, filling and substantial. I crave them fortnightly. Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheese gets honorable mention, not for the yummy pizza bread bite of today, but for their traditional grilled cheese which I have eaten many a warm summer Sunday and find deeply satisfying, and if you spot her truck at a farmer's market near you, get in line for sure. <br />
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If you want a great sandwich, I can say that Jerry's, Duseks, and South Water Kitchen would be well worth checking out, they had my favorite bites of the day. But for grilled cheese? Head to Four Moon on the corner of Roscoe and Wolcott for a bit of gooey heaven. Tell them I sent you.<br />
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In the meantime, to all the hardworking chefs and great dining establishments who knocked it out today, congrats. It was a lot of fun and a lot of yummy. Even if it wasn't grilled cheese.<br />
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Yours in Good Taste,<br />
The PolymathStacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-64090674903877339522016-11-08T12:23:00.002-06:002016-11-08T12:29:46.789-06:00Thankful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Chickens-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">This is a long one, but for those of you who
hang in there till the end, there is a pretty amazing giveaway!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I have posted this piece, adjusted slightly
year by year, since 2009. The essentials don’t change
much. The sentiment changes not at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">This year is a bit different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">This year is dedicated to the loving memory of
my grandmother Jonnie, who left us in August, I’m reasonably certain so that
she could watch the Cubs win the World Series with my grandfather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Jonnie is the reason I cook, the reason I
gather loved ones around my table, the reason that when there are four for
dinner I make enough for eight because abundance rules and one can always do
something interesting with the leftovers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jonnie taught me Thanksgiving, in every permutation of that word and
holiday and philosophy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They say that
the human body completely renews all of its cells every seven years, every
seven years you essentially become a brand new person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while my family Thanksgiving, which I
have been cooking for over 20 years now, has stayed effectively the same, my
recipes have slowly shifted from the ones Jonnie taught me, little changes in
technique or ingredients, so that now, while the meal is effectively the same,
it has also become as much mine as hers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I no longer do her turkey with the buttered cheesecloth over the breast,
and I don’t stuff the bird the way she did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My mashed potatoes now include sour cream and chives, and there is
significantly less brown sugar in the sweet potatoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve given up the green bean casserole in
favor of Brussels sprouts or broccolini or other less gloopy options, and I
make milkbread rolls instead of her yeast rolls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Her orange sherbet jello mold recipe has not
been changed a whit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The various parts of the whole remain the same;
the traditions are there, deepened a bit, adjusted, but still full of memory
and still honoring what came before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">This will be the 24<sup>th</sup> Thanksgiving
meal I have cooked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be the first
one that I will have to do without eleventy million phone calls over the weeks
leading up, going over the menu, telling her about some new thing, some new
dish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She won’t know that this year the
stuffing will include my homemade sourdough bread, although she knew that I was
nurturing a starter, and saw pictures of my early bread baking efforts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Jonnie loved this post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She re-read it every year, and every year she
would call me and tell me that she just loved my Thanksgiving advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I always said of course she did, since
most of it I learned from her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So this
year, I’m extra-thankful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thankful
for all the usual suspects, my family and friends, my health, my home, a job I
love and all of my lovely chickens who read and connect and keep me going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thankful that my holiday table will be
surrounded by the faces of those I love, and that the buffet will groan with
deliciousness, and I’m deeply profoundly thankful that Jonnie taught me
how.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Here is the advice I share with you every
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is mine, and hers, and I hope,
now, yours.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">As a passionate home cook, Thanksgiving is my
grail, my marathon, my Everest. The ability to pull it off well is a
source of pride, and no moments of my year are as purely pleasurable as the
brief silence around the table when everyone tucks into their plates, followed
by gradual exclamations of rapturous delight. And while there
is always something a little bit new or different every year, the basics stay
the same, and I’ve gotten a lot of it down to a science. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">But science doesn’t mean clenched perfectionism. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">With all due respect to Martha, you don’t need
twenty-four matching turkey shaped bowls for the soup to taste good, you don’t
have to grow your own cranberries, or even make your own pie crust (or pie for
that matter) for this day to be wonderful. Good food, prepared with
love (or purchased with love), and served with a smile is all anyone needs for
the holiday to be sublime…to each at the level of his or her own ability. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">For those of you who are thinking of tackling
the big day, I’ve got some tips to help you out. The most important
thing about Thanksgiving is right there in the name, be thankful. If
you burn the turkey, eat all the side dishes and proclaim yourselves temporary
vegetarians and laugh it off. If you are with your people, whatever
that looks like for you, then you are doing it right, the rest is just
details.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if at all possible, set
yourself up for success with some simple advice and simpler recipes.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Whether you are having a huge event with five
generations, a gathering of your best pals who aren’t able to be with their own
families, or just a small dinner with you and your sweetie, there are ways to
make this day less stressful, and more joyous.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Firstly, know thyself. Do you
regularly make your own puff pastry, serve towering flaming Baked Alaskas, and
finish your sauces with homemade demi-glace? Then find any
challenging menu that inspires you and have at it. But if you burn
the toast four days out of ten, this isn’t the time to try anything complicated. Keep
things simple, and don’t be afraid to get help with the hard stuff or fiddly
bits. People love to participate, so let guests bring something to take
some of the pressure off you. If you’ve never made piecrust, buy a
good quality frozen crust. Look at local prepared foods sections of
grocery stores and see who is offering side dishes and do a tasting the week
before. If Whole Foods is making a killer stuffing, there’s no shame
in serving it. Does gravy make you nervous? Add
five or six whole peeled shallots to the roasting pan along with your bird, and
simply blend them into the de-fatted pan juices or some stock to thicken it
easily, add some herbs, a splash of wine or sherry, and you have a flavorful
jus without all that tricky flour business. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Secondly, know thy audience. You
might be a major foodie, but is Aunt Marge? No point in fussing over
individual pumpkin soufflés cooked in hollowed out roasted quinces with vanilla
bean tuiles unless the rest of your guests will think it as awesome as you do,
and not wonder dejectedly where the Entenmann’s Pumpkin Pie with Cool Whip is
this year. You can take the essentials and just make them with the
best ingredients you can get, and know that you have improved, even if you
haven’t monumentally altered. Or think of it as a retro meal, all
the rage these days, and revel in the kitschy quality of making the recipes the
old way. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Thanksgiving is also a great time to connect
with your family members who cook…call Mom or Uncle Al and ask for advice and
recipes, they’ll be flattered and you’ll be amazed how many great tips they can
give you.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">So, if you’re getting ready for the big day,
here are Stacey’s (via Jonnie) Thanksgiving Commandments:</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1. Thou shalt buy a fresh turkey
from a butcher, and brine or dry brine before roasting. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> I
know Butterball seems like a good idea, and awfully convenient, but they are so
filled with preservatives and water and other unnatural stuff, they don’t
really taste like turkey. Call your local butcher and order a
fresh turkey for pick up the Monday before Thanksgiving. The bonus will
be that you won't have to thaw it! Take it home and dry brine for two
days, essentially giving it a good salting and slapping it in a large Ziploc
bag to hang out. I recommend the <a href="http://food52.com/recipes/15069-russ-parsons-dry-brined-turkey-a-k-a-the-judy-bird"><span style="color: #cccc66; text-decoration: none;">Food52</span></a> recipe
for this. If you prefer a wet brine, go for it, I’ve been preferring the
dry brine of late, especially since it saves a ton of room in the fridge, but do
one or the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then cook as you
usually do. You’ll be delighted with the moist, well-seasoned results.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">2. Thou shalt discover how
easy it is to make awesome cranberry sauce.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> Cranberry
sauce is not just the easiest part of the meal; it can be made up to a week in
advance. It’s the perfect thing for even a reluctant cook to offer
to bring to someone else’s meal, or an easy addition to your
own. (and yes, I know some of you love that shimmering jiggling tube
with all the ridges, and if you must, have some on hand…but do at least TRY
homemade…you can always serve both)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">3. Thou shalt not be ashamed to
make the green bean casserole with the Campbell’s Condensed Soup.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> Sure,
I’m a foodie-slash-crazy-person, so I make my cream of mushroom soup from
scratch before assembling the ubiquitous casserole if I’m going that direction…but
honestly, it’s a tradition for a reason, the original recipe is pretty
comforting and delicious in its own way, and easy to make, so even if you
consider yourself a major gourmet, pull out the processed food version and
serve with a smile. Ditto sweet potatoes with marshmallows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not the day for food snobbery or
elitism, and even if you choose not to partake of one of these less elegant
classics, be sure to let those who love them enjoy without commentary.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">4. Thou shalt not overdo the
appetizers.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> And
by overdo, I mean serving any if you can help it. You’re going to
spend at least two days cooking for this meal. Let your guests be hungry
when they get to the table. Keep your pre-dinner nibbles to small
bowls of nuts or olives or pretzels or the like, think basic bar snacks…you
just want your guests to have something to nosh on with their pre-dinner
drinks, but if they fill up on hors d’oeuvres you’ll all be sad when you get to
the table and can’t manage seconds. (this is good advice for any dinner
party…either plan heavy hors d’ouevres and a light supper, or vice versa)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you must do soup, despite the fact that
all good Thanksgiving soups are guaranteed to fill up your guests overmuch,
plan on little espresso cups or dainty tea cups during the cocktail hour and
not bowls at the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Serving a soup
course adds a level of stress to getting the buffet out that no one needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I make soup essentially because if I don’t
make the soup my family pouts, and the leftovers are pretty great all
weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I don’t do a soup course,
they get just about three to four lovely sips to go with their pre-dinner
bubbles, and when we get to the table, it is turkey time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">5. Thou shalt not bother with
salad.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> I
know it always seems like such a good idea to make a fresh green
salad. But frankly, it takes up valuable space on a plate that should be
devoted to fourteen different carbohydrates, and you’re just going to throw
most of it away, since it will be all wilty and depressed by the time you go to
put the leftovers away. No one will miss
it. Seriously. Stop even thinking about it. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaht1XDF-3c728NJRuHk4UJwMFNMFi-Uw0FWbQ_L6-PFk8IkYbbtl9zVrWy4MS4fhDw5ZhvKN9OVbGLuiYubHoHuC6gS3nbv6tNYOiKs3olDpQ4pONzG4_VYyvPHk6bWH07GOF58Y8KAwC/s1600/thanks+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaht1XDF-3c728NJRuHk4UJwMFNMFi-Uw0FWbQ_L6-PFk8IkYbbtl9zVrWy4MS4fhDw5ZhvKN9OVbGLuiYubHoHuC6gS3nbv6tNYOiKs3olDpQ4pONzG4_VYyvPHk6bWH07GOF58Y8KAwC/s320/thanks+7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">6. Thou shalt not count calories,
skimp on ingredients, or whine and pout about how bad the food is for you.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> We
are all very sensitive to healthy eating these days, and more than a few of us
are dealing with the need to lose a couple of pounds. Or a couple of
dozen. THIS IS NOT THE DAY TO DO IT. Thanksgiving is, at its
very core, a celebration of food and the memories that food invokes and the new
memories created at the table. You do yourself, your host, and the
day a disservice if you think of it as anything else, or deprive yourself of the
sheer joy of this meal. If you’re the cook, don’t alter recipes with
low fat/low salt/low taste versions of things unless you have a guest with
medically prescribed dietary restrictions. Don’t skip meals before,
so that you aren’t blindly starving by the time you get to the buffet, and if
you’re really concerned, fill your plate anyway you like, but either don’t go
back for seconds, or on your second round, stick to the less gloopy veggies and
turkey and the cranberry sauce. Any nutritionist worth their salt
will tell you that one meal cannot derail your overall progress, especially if
you get back to your program the next day and maybe add a workout that
week. And any counselor will tell you that the surest way to be
cranky is to deprive yourself while all around you are
celebrating. Give yourself a break…you’ll be amazed that if you give
yourself permission to have everything you want, how easy it is not to overdo
it. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">7. Thou shalt not stuff your bird.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> I
can hear you crying about it now….you are used to the bird packed with
stuffing, you dream about the really crispy good part in the front over the
neck, why can’t we stuff our turkeys? Here’s why….one, a stuffed
bird is the best possible way to get food borne illness on the
agenda. If the stuffing doesn’t get up to at least 180 degrees
internally, it can breed bacteria, not fun for anyone’s tummy. Two,
in order to get the stuffing to 180, you are going to overcook the crap out of
the turkey itself, especially the breast meat. Three, all that
moistness you love in the in-the-bird stuffing? That is all the
juices from the meat that are getting sucked out by the huge stuffing sponge,
and you not only dry out your bird, you have many fewer juices with which to
make gravy. Make your stuffing and bake in a separate dish, and if you
really miss that dense moistness, buy a couple of extra turkey wings and lay
them on top of the casserole as it bakes, and/or melt a stick of butter in a
cup of chicken stock and pour it over the stuffing ten minutes before taking it
out of the oven. And get over it. Stuffing that
wasn’t actually stuffed is always going to be better than food poisoning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve started doing Julia Child’s recipe for
a deconstructed turkey cooked on top of a pile of stuffing, which gives you the
perfect stuffing and perfect bird, and in a fraction of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cook’s Illustrated has the technique and
recipe, including video, just Google it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But be prepared, it means no pan juices at all for gravy (which I love
since then I can just make gravy the week before and freeze it), and no big
whole bird to bring to the table.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">8. Thou shalt not test more than
one new recipe for this meal.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> Thanksgiving
is a wonderful meal to add to, but don’t do everything at once. I
know that the cooking mags have all sorts of new-fangled versions of things,
but they <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">have</i> to reinvent the holiday
menu every year. Experimentation is good, but if you change the
whole thing up at once, people are going to miss their old standby
favorites. Pick one dish that you think is ready for a revamp, and
throw in that curveball. If you love it, add it to the
repertoire. But don’t do the chipotle rubbed smoked turkey, sweet
potato kale bake, barley stuffing, green beans with fresh ricotta, and sherried
fig cranberry coulis all in one meal. Someone will weep openly, and
everyone will have to run out the next day and make a few traditional items to
get them through to next year.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">9. Thou shalt be neither The
Thanksgiving Dictator, nor The Absent Host, nor That Annoying Guest.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> If
people want to help in the kitchen, let them. And don’t criticize
the quality of their small dice, or the way they wash the
pots. Ditto assigning specific foods to guests who want to bring
something…if someone offers to bring a dish, ask them what they love to make or
what they crave most about Thanksgiving and let them bring that. Who
cares if you have two kinds of sweet potatoes, or both cornbread and regular
stuffing? On Thanksgiving, more is more, and abundance rules. Besides,
you have a three-day weekend that needs quality leftovers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>By
its nature, hosting is complicated and hard work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But please do not be the host who spends the
entire party in the kitchen cooking, serving and cleaning, and missing out on spending
time with your guests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make as much of
the food ahead of time as possible, so that it needs only reheating to get it
to the buffet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put pitchers or bottles
of water and wine all down the table for folks to serve themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the food is set out, sit and eat!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the whole meal!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t jump up to make the coffee or organize
dessert, everyone will be grateful for a brief break between the two courses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the main meal is done, package up the
leftovers, and if you are using real stuff and not disposable, scrape and stack
plates, dump the silverware in a tub or pot of soapy water, and put it all to
the side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put out the desserts and then
go be with your people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until they decide
to leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my house, the rule is no
cleaning till guests are gone, even for big parties, I prefer to have the time
with my Charming Suitor, we have a cleanup routine, and we know where
everything goes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put on some music, do
some kitchen dancing, eat an extra cookie, talk about what worked particularly
well, finish the wine, get a little snarky about your cousin Joey’s new
girlfriend with the ultra tiny mini and the ultra big hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make it your decompression time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you do want to have help, designate the
two people who will be the easiest to work with and ask if they might stay an
extra hour after everyone else goes to give you a hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More than three people cleaning is too much,
you are all elbows and there is never that much space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One person washing, one drying, one putting
away or organizing it for getting put away later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">If you are the
guest, offering to bring something, be clear about what you are capable of;
make sure to ask how many people you are expected to serve, and DO NOT BRING
ANYTHING THAT NEEDS ASSEMBLY OR COOKING ONSITE! Do you have any idea how
supremely annoying it is for someone to arrive with a grocery bag full of
ingredients to begin making their dish while you are doing a kitchen dance that
requires logistics only slightly less complicated than the opening ceremonies
for the Olympics? Or with their frozen or chilled item that they need to
wedge into the one oven? Keep it simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If your dish is to be served warm, bring it already hot in an insulated
container, or in your own slow cooker so that you can plug it in somewhere
unobtrusive till it is time to serve. Speaking of serving, my best trick
for holidays and dinner parties alike is to bring my offering with a serving piece
that doubles as my hostess gift. Target, Home Goods, etc. all sell very
inexpensive serveware, and it is a huge relief to your hosts for you to hand
off your contribution, already on or in its final destination, and say
"The platter/bowl/basket is our gift to thank you for your
hospitality." Nothing is more annoying after the meal than making
sure everyone's serveware gets cleaned so they can take it back home.
Ditto Tupperware, only bring something you want to leave behind. And
if you bring a dish in your slow cooker, insist on taking it home dirty to
clean at your house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm just saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">10. Thou shalt be THANKFUL.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> We
are all very blessed in our own ways. Even if you are going through
a rough time, there are those who have it rougher. The times in which we
live are a little bit scary and sad, and we all deserve a day to focus on the
good. Take a few moments to think about all of the gifts you have in your
life, the family and friends who surround you, all of the wonderful things you
may take for granted in the hustle and bustle of your day to
day. Close your eyes, be joyful, and in all sincerity and
humbleness thank the universe for your life.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I am deeply thankful for each and every one of
you for reading, supporting my work, and me, and being kind and gentle ears in
the world for my words. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">And for sticking with me, a special
treat!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lovely people at Larchwood
Canada, who made my custom butcher block for me, have sent me one of their
gorgeous cutting boards to give to one of you, a $220 value!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I’m doing this post early so that you can have it in time for the
holiday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These handmade boards are
endgrain larch wood, which is naturally anti-microbial and self-healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, you can cut on it and it will heal
itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Magic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, you know, completely gorgeous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">So, in Jonnie’s honor, just comment below with
the name of the person you are most grateful for this year, and feel free to
share a tip, trick, recipe, or memory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do it by 11:59pm on November 15, and I will announce the winner by
random drawing on the 16<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Yours in Good Taste,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The Polymath</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Here are some of my go-to turkey day
recipes. Follow to the letter or use as a springboard for your own
touches… All recipes are designed to accommodate 12-14 people with
leftovers. And if you have recipes of your own to share, be sure to leave
them in the comments section!</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Cranberry sauce</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">2 bags cranberries</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span lang="FR" style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 ½
c port</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span lang="FR" style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 c
sugar</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span lang="FR" style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 t
salt</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span lang="FR" style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">5 T
orange juice</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span lang="FR" style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 ½
t cornstarch</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span lang="FR" style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 t
ground mustard</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span lang="FR" style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 t
lemon juice</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Zest of 1 orange</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Pinch ground clove</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Pinch fresh ginger</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Zest of 1 lemon</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">½ c dried cherries-rehydrate in ¼ c port</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Cook cranberries and port in a saucepan over
med-high heat 10 minutes, until cranberries burst. Add sugar and
salt. Whisk OJ, cornstarch, mustard, lemon juice in a bowl and add
to berries. Stir to combine. Add rest of ingredients,
cook 5-6 minutes more, cool.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Mashed potatoes</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">10 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled, cubed)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">2 sticks butter, cubed</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 cup whole milk, warmed (or half and half or
cream, depending on how rich you like it)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 pt. sour cream</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 tub whipped cream cheese with chives (or
plain) at room temp</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 bunch chives, chopped fine</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">S&P to taste</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Boil potatoes till soft. Drain
completely. Put potatoes through ricer, or just use hand mixer to
mash. Add butter first, then cream cheese, and then milk to just shy
of your preferred texture. Once the potatoes are almost there, add
in the sour cream, cream cheese and chives and season well. Hold in
double boiler or slow cooker to keep warm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Can be held about an hour in a double boiler or up to two in a slow
cooker on warm without breaking.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Basic Stuffing</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 XL loaf country bread or French bread cubed
and toasted till totally dry (2 lbs.) (or 2 lbs of the plain crouton
cubes from the store)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 pkg soft egg rolls or hot dog buns torn
coarsely</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">2 ½ sticks butter</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 ½ c finely chopped onion</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 ½ c finely chopped celery</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Celery leaves from 2 heads, chopped</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">¼ c chopped flat leaf parsley</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Dried sage, thyme, marjoram (1 T each)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">S/P to taste</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">4 lg eggs, beaten</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 32 oz box chicken stock…add as necessary to
moisten</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">½ c toasted bread crumbs</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Saute veggies and herbs in 1 ½ sticks
butter. Toss with bread. Add stock slowly till moist but
not overly soggy. Taste for seasoning. Stir in eggs and
mix well. Put in deep foil pan. Drizzle with melted stick
of butter and sprinkle of breadcrumbs.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">400 degrees for 25 minutes covered, then 20
uncovered. If you want extra turkey flavor, lay the pieces of 2-3
turkey wings on top of the casserole for all but the last 10 minutes, and for
extra moistness, melt another 4-8 T butter in 1 c chicken or turkey stock and
pour over top when you uncover the stuffing, then continue cooking.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Can be made up to two days in advance, and
reheated in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes before serving.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Sweet Potato Casserole</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">8 large sweet potatoes</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 stick butter</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">½ c brown sugar</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Cinnamon, nutmeg, s/p</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">3 eggs</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 bag mini marshmallows</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Roast potatoes till soft. Mash with
butter, sugar, and cinnamon, s/p, nutmeg. Mix in eggs.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Bake 350 for 25 minutes, add marshmallows to
top in one layer, put back in oven for 10-15 more minutes until the
marshmallows are golden brown.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Pumpkin/Butternut Squash Soup</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">If you want this soup all pumpkin, replace the
butternut squash with fresh or frozen cubed pumpkin. If you want it
all squash, eliminate the canned pumpkin and add another 2 lbs of cubed squash.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 10.0pt;">4 c cubed peeled
butternut squash<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">2 large cans pumpkin puree (29.5 oz
organic…not pumpkin pie filling!)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">3 quarts chicken stock (or veggie stock if you
have vegetarians coming)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 pt. heavy cream</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">2 med. (or one large) yellow onions</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 stick butter</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Fresh ground nutmeg</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">s/p</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Sauté onions in butter till soft but not
browned, add squash and pumpkin. Pour in enough chicken stock to
cover the vegetables by about 1 ½ - 2 inches. Cook over medium heat
till very soft, about 35-45 minutes. Blend with immersion blender or in batches
in regular blender till very smooth, for extra velvety soup strain thru Chinois
or fine mesh strainer. Add cream and season to taste with salt and
pepper and fresh nutmeg.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Freezes beautifully pre-cream, I often make a
double batch and freeze half without the cream in it. Is also delish
without the cream if you want to be healthier </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 11.0pt;">J</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Toppings:</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">½ c heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">8-10 amaretti cookies, crumbled but not
powdered</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Blend together right before serving and
garnish each bowl or cup with a generous spoon.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Have also topped with:</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Crushed gingersnaps and mini marshmallows</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Crème fraiche mixed with crystallized ginger</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Candied orange zest and toasted pine
nuts </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Toasted gingerbread croutons</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Caramel corn</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Whipped cream blended with cranberry sauce</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Crouton with melted asiago cheese</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Fried sage leaves</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Curried nuts (pumpkin seeds, pecans, walnuts)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Balsamic Cipollini Onions</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">2 lbs cipollini onions,
peeled (blanch in boiling water one minute, shock in ice water,
skins should slip right off)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">3 T <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/library/getentry.zsp?id=495"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">olive oil</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span lang="FR" style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">3 T </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/library/getentry.zsp?id=141"><span lang="FR" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: FR; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">butter</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span lang="FR" style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 ½
T </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/library/getentry.zsp?id=139"><span lang="FR" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: FR; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">sugar</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">6 T balsamic vinegar </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 T chopped <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/library/getentry.zsp?id=171"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">fresh parsley</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Preheat oven to 500°F. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Place onions in medium bowl; toss with oil.
Arrange onions on baking sheet or in roasting pan. Sprinkle with
salt and pepper. Roast until onions are brown and tender, rotating
pan in oven and turn onions once, about 35 minutes (they will caramelize and be
quite dark in parts but, if you have coated them well with olive oil, will not
have a 'burnt' taste). Meanwhile, melt butter in heavy small
saucepan over medium-high heat. Add sugar and stir until sugar dissolves.
Remove from heat. Add vinegar. Return to heat. Simmer
until mixture thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. Pour over onions and continue
to cook in oven 10 more minutes. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Sprinkle with parsley before serving. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Pickled carrots </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">(great pre-dinner nibble! A bowl of
these and a bowl of nuts are all you need.)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 large bag baby carrots (2 1bs)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 bottle apple cider vinegar</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 large jar honey</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">4 T mustard seed</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 bunch dill</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Combine vinegar, honey and mustard seed in
saucepan. Add carrots and cook over med-high heat till carrots are
cooked but still crisp, 5-8 minutes. Store in pickling liquid in
fridge. Before serving, drain liquid, add chopped fresh dill.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Jonnie’s
Orange Sherbet Jell-O Mold<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">A
family fave, and a bit of old-school fun on the plate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">4 3-oz pks orange jello<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">4 cups boiling water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">2/3 cup lemon juice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">2 pt. orange sherbet, softened<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Dissolve jello in water, add juice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Chill till jelly-like consistency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Blend in softened sherbet with electric beaters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put in greased 2 quart mold and chill
overnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To release, dip mold in hot
water to loosen and invert over plate.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Stacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-43852549885155386842016-06-09T10:45:00.000-05:002016-06-09T10:45:08.488-05:00A Tale of Two Bathrooms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Hello Chickens! </div>
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Popping in today with a quick house update. The next few weeks are going to be somewhat quiet here on the blog, as my next novel, Happily Ever After Forty, is due on August 1, so I am going to be hunkered down getting that finished. I may pop in briefly to say hello, but know that the summer hiatus will be well-spent.</div>
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In the meantime, I wanted to update you quickly on the new bathrooms that have been completed! While our primary construction focus was on the second floor, the second floor bathroom and first floor bathroom are stacked right on top of each other, which, from a systems standpoint, meant that we had to treat them as one big bathroom project. </div>
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The different floors of the house have different personalities. The first floor is very formal, traditional, special occasion kind of spaces. The second floor is day to day, uber functional, more casual spaces. </div>
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As you can imagine, Charming Suitor and I, while enormously aesthetically compatible, do have some places where we diverge in our style. He has always leaned in an Arts and Crafts simple elegant function direction, while I have always been a little more Art Nouveau with swirls and pretty stuff putting the fun in functionality. Or as CS will say, I am A LOT more decorative than he is. So when we were presented with the need to design two complete bathrooms at once, we decided to divide and conquer.</div>
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CS took the second floor bathroom, since that is the one we will use the most, and he was inspired by one of his favorite artists, Robert Ryman. Ryman is famous for his white paintings, which, while completely white, have depth and texture and stuff that actually makes them interesting. I swear! The second floor bathroom is almost a bridge between the two guest rooms, which are colorful and visually dense, and the kitchen, which also has a lot going on. So CS thought that a clean, white bathroom would be a nice breath, a bit of respite for the senses. Taking his cue from Ryman, and wanting to keep a space that at least nodded to the history of the building, we went to meet with our tile guru Rachel at Fine Line Tile and gave her the brief. She immediately knew what we were going for, and pulled a bunch of tiles that would fit our budget, and be the right thing for the space. We embraced clean white porcelain tilework in pieces that would be period appropriate. The floor is hexagonal penny tiles, which is actually what we found when we pulled up the linoleum, but not in good enough condition to save. The walls are wainscoted in subtly beveled subway tile for texture and depth, with porcelain baseboard and chair rail, all very affordable choices from Sonoma Tile Company's Pure line. We painted in Sherwin-Williams Superwhite. For fixtures we went directly to Kohler, choosing a toilet and pedestal sink from their traditional looking Tresham line, and polished nickel faucets and sink fixtures, as well as shower set. As we did in the basement bathroom, we added an old railway shelf for some interesting wall storage.</div>
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A local glass place called GlassWorks did beautiful frameless shower surrounds, and our geniuses at StoneMasters and Cosentino provided the smartest Silestone shower threshold and surround shelf, as well as a very key corner piece on the exterior of the shower, since beveled tiles need something flat to end into, so we needed a piece to cover the outside corner. We also extended the surround shelf four inches into the shower so that we didn't need to add any nooks or hardware to deal with shampoo and soap etc.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiko5ifZZKGQ98YiR7RVnczy4-Y4rD2T2fuoIZdQ_ceLW-cTkRS__YWXWv37M9Ilu3W9OiAf66gGWRzMORtwRpYGNHG7eUjqz5YS0Tof7cgJjN2E0C9Kjoqx0Zc8U_ukpt8LdjH31RuTDXK/s1600/IMG_0295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiko5ifZZKGQ98YiR7RVnczy4-Y4rD2T2fuoIZdQ_ceLW-cTkRS__YWXWv37M9Ilu3W9OiAf66gGWRzMORtwRpYGNHG7eUjqz5YS0Tof7cgJjN2E0C9Kjoqx0Zc8U_ukpt8LdjH31RuTDXK/s400/IMG_0295.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the door</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuskLBuFwWcsftbfXg7LbMBN-DC1uxL_BQaCnHWdl9XnXddwJEyOBZqt9tS_iSwnu-ChEK_eSBMFANFlnbz7Q8gTEq1JqkhLQSW8V1alzlGajikxnoiIY-waa0S1nDI4XZWqM3ofgF9dya/s1600/IMG_0296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuskLBuFwWcsftbfXg7LbMBN-DC1uxL_BQaCnHWdl9XnXddwJEyOBZqt9tS_iSwnu-ChEK_eSBMFANFlnbz7Q8gTEq1JqkhLQSW8V1alzlGajikxnoiIY-waa0S1nDI4XZWqM3ofgF9dya/s400/IMG_0296.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kohler Tresham toilet and old railway shelf, you can see the cool corner piece on the outside of the shower</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4l-aKduAP6B2u9b27_HfeP9DyuRyyNbvdjk9EGdwRlIAS4af_Nnh47ffYdx4y23LKomLC2cNppjxek6TfZ9vQVXV3h9afsdEw0CvobhUQMR9-xz_J3lbHaoV9TjSMf3WLzHN9E6z5NCO/s1600/IMG_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4l-aKduAP6B2u9b27_HfeP9DyuRyyNbvdjk9EGdwRlIAS4af_Nnh47ffYdx4y23LKomLC2cNppjxek6TfZ9vQVXV3h9afsdEw0CvobhUQMR9-xz_J3lbHaoV9TjSMf3WLzHN9E6z5NCO/s400/IMG_0297.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tresham sink with mirror and sconces from Restoration Hardware</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindFdRj_mafjeTtR7ZIHfzydYXgO2rkI2GYSIhjezF4vmUWaFvqhggn_ZPHllrti2uA5BeMCP7iIJ4QEheUGwzP-0amPFPKlt-uDJLoazuW3k7aS1XBQsK6t0N0Uu6cHS3dr82vyenKl5X/s1600/IMG_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindFdRj_mafjeTtR7ZIHfzydYXgO2rkI2GYSIhjezF4vmUWaFvqhggn_ZPHllrti2uA5BeMCP7iIJ4QEheUGwzP-0amPFPKlt-uDJLoazuW3k7aS1XBQsK6t0N0Uu6cHS3dr82vyenKl5X/s400/IMG_0298.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shower</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1gbanv0gRIUXI_gC4MeZr5quZJqkZdKQeGswkGaWGkemOkmm3iTgFkQ98CZggaD0afQ_xAmvjO7v_LXS1l_tRUxlfy6cG_83XmOJLAR3Q6Lw2uvpf_R-oYLsFDOjfGdD3z252twtLiQr/s1600/IMG_0299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1gbanv0gRIUXI_gC4MeZr5quZJqkZdKQeGswkGaWGkemOkmm3iTgFkQ98CZggaD0afQ_xAmvjO7v_LXS1l_tRUxlfy6cG_83XmOJLAR3Q6Lw2uvpf_R-oYLsFDOjfGdD3z252twtLiQr/s400/IMG_0299.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep interior shelf keeps things clean on the inside while still providing storage</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgED_OEMbB6qAn_y27zGjlyc4nw9c8jMRm2LdL6emRsy7weIq2PG4JnzqhV0QCzPhyJmQ2pXzgJ5y3IGx4h3A5JQ5PLE6XYbwf8xSqxIDd407bScgoWzHoAp0EZC0o5psD5_fJ8UoFTxVdm/s1600/IMG_0310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgED_OEMbB6qAn_y27zGjlyc4nw9c8jMRm2LdL6emRsy7weIq2PG4JnzqhV0QCzPhyJmQ2pXzgJ5y3IGx4h3A5JQ5PLE6XYbwf8xSqxIDd407bScgoWzHoAp0EZC0o5psD5_fJ8UoFTxVdm/s400/IMG_0310.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original window with leaded glass sidelights and bottom of window converted to mirror<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">CS was very pleased with the choices, and I love the clean simplicity of the room. It really does have a soothing effect to go into such a lovely white space, and with the addition of an old rug, it is surprisingly warm feeling. I was worried it would come off cold and surgical, but it really turned out beautifully!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Of course, then it was my turn, and as you can imagine, I went in something of a different direction. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The first floor bathroom will eventually be entered through the library, which will serve as something of an anteroom between the formal dining room and the bathroom, just that added layer of privacy. I hate houses where they have bathrooms or powder rooms that open right into a dining room, it seems very gross to me! The old bathroom didn't quite do that, the door was in the hallway and opened essentially just North of the dining room, not ideal but not awful. But when we do the new dining room, it is doubling in size and then the hallway goes away and the bathroom door would indeed have opened right into the middle of our dinner parties, which is gauche and I was not having it! So we moved the doorway into the library, CS's former mancave and dressing room, so that everyone's privacy will be protected. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I also knew that I loved the wainscot detail on the walls of the white bathroom, but that tile was not going to be the right choice for a more formal space. We toyed with the idea of marble slabs, but while period appropriate, that would have been egregiously expensive. But the other period appropriate choice was wood. Now, I have to point out that while this is a full bathroom, so there is a shower in it, it will only be used as such during such times as we have a 100% full house with everyone needing to shower at once. Something that might occur once or twice a year. If this were going to be a full-time bathroom, I would be very reluctant to do wood wainscoting, since the moisture would be a big issue. If you love the look of wood, but need to be able to shower in your bathroom daily, look into some of the naturally water-resistant woods, like Ipe. They will be more expensive up front, but will save you from warping and cracking issues down the road. Lucky for us, we could go with white oak, which is the predominant wood in all of our original millwork. Our amazing contractors were able to design a pattern for the paneling that pulled details from the original woodwork, and once it was stained to match, you would never know it wasn't original to the building!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The paneling on the walls immediately sent me in a rich, saturated color direction. I had fallen in love with a marble called Verde Luna, sort of a mid-tone green with ivory veining and little bits of sparkle, and knew that I wanted to do the shower interior in those tiles. The only company that I found that works with Verde Luna is New Ravenna, and one of the other products they produce with it is a fantastic, and shockingly period appropriate floor tile called Euclid, which merges it with creamy New Horizon marble and dark brown (near-black) St. Laurent in a cubist design. Rachel at Fine Line suggested we go with a large scale brick pattern in the shower to the wainscot height, using 6x12 tiles, and then a pencil tile of cararra marble to have a break, with herringbone 3x6 tiles above. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We had an antique dresser that we knew we wanted to repurpose as a vanity, and I had fallen in mad love with an art nouveau cast bronze sink from Kohler called Lilies Lore. Again, the intricate carved detail of the sink would not be great if you had people brushing teeth and shaving over it on a daily basis, but for a formal bathroom that will mostly host party guests four to six times a year? Totally worth it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Cosentino found us a Silestone quartz product that was a near perfect match to the St. Laurent in the floor tile, so we could use that as vanity counter and the shower surround pieces, and Kohler stepped up with great fixtures in oiled bronze, and a toilet in an ideal shade of medium gray. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Yes, a gray toilet. Because in a room of such deep richness, with no other white anywhere, a white toilet would stick out like a sore thumb. We didn't want to go black, after all, we were shooting for more1890s not 1990s, but gray turned out to be the perfect color.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Our darling general contractor Patrick gifted us an antique mirror he had in his garage, we found yet another railway shelf, this one in wood and cast iron, and the same sconces from Restoration Hardware that we had used in all the other bathrooms, these in oiled bronze finish. The final touches were a deep rick peacock teal blue in high gloss on the walls, Sherwin-Williams Ocean, and mounted three antique wood paper maché forms from France to serve as art.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It is about as opposite a bathroom style-wise as CS's Ryman inspired bathroom upstairs, but it works beautifully, and even CS has fallen in love with it. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqCXsmuJQhOvfJ9aJcoib1OCAvcZQdcSn5I0GiL6mrorgWT3KUM5j9Ey1JIgT6u5SYI-3XhFDpS68_xWS2fkdZsK0z5mh1Od72oeUVZo-H0mStIBqMyQAI-NtUQN_-maOoDVCXsxSI5WP/s1600/IMG_0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqCXsmuJQhOvfJ9aJcoib1OCAvcZQdcSn5I0GiL6mrorgWT3KUM5j9Ey1JIgT6u5SYI-3XhFDpS68_xWS2fkdZsK0z5mh1Od72oeUVZo-H0mStIBqMyQAI-NtUQN_-maOoDVCXsxSI5WP/s400/IMG_0300.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the door</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, a gray toilet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Verde Luna tiles from New Ravenna inside the shower</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDplTKMBgFylaGE004ujUsm-IvAM7llHaYDjhWVQ3lkkpRVsBi9-9_E-1LI9TIwH_5gnPed8-9YMhJbXduDrMSbGbHxWta52IVvmNikDTMsR28mwgccemRHe2ry4Inbl9GIjhEgmXs4uL/s1600/IMG_0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDplTKMBgFylaGE004ujUsm-IvAM7llHaYDjhWVQ3lkkpRVsBi9-9_E-1LI9TIwH_5gnPed8-9YMhJbXduDrMSbGbHxWta52IVvmNikDTMsR28mwgccemRHe2ry4Inbl9GIjhEgmXs4uL/s400/IMG_0303.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same interior shelf detail as upstairs, in a different rich Silestone</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLONrav7bk0JonTI7Q4hRVwcwiMTdl0zwg4jNlvf_oYJNNvgdvKY6a9fmRASd7jX7286jNyk_RAcHnFo-l3E1Kbm07hwE81UGiWfZ0rYgbFBd4GBxVJlFv2SXQcYGPplDnJV90OvBrwnk/s1600/IMG_0304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLONrav7bk0JonTI7Q4hRVwcwiMTdl0zwg4jNlvf_oYJNNvgdvKY6a9fmRASd7jX7286jNyk_RAcHnFo-l3E1Kbm07hwE81UGiWfZ0rYgbFBd4GBxVJlFv2SXQcYGPplDnJV90OvBrwnk/s400/IMG_0304.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original windows with new sconces</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jiCxZYAHtM2x68t55z1SH3dkJa6EbZ2fXdZgjTsjvZs-0lcSSb-ua7dokYmPym_ALBQvoO7cywKA6XjtxsZVRZjYb2JpDrRe_pgGZWg8HjD0ltn3YbWR1bNFUJ07bRBwFqrexw4Qv0D7/s1600/IMG_0307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jiCxZYAHtM2x68t55z1SH3dkJa6EbZ2fXdZgjTsjvZs-0lcSSb-ua7dokYmPym_ALBQvoO7cywKA6XjtxsZVRZjYb2JpDrRe_pgGZWg8HjD0ltn3YbWR1bNFUJ07bRBwFqrexw4Qv0D7/s400/IMG_0307.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Railway shelf and wood moonface antique paper maché forms from France</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKrz6gm7bx6KNQM8Tn5-7PwJMAAbCtgbP01bYIbsVqNBIk1Li9kDk92osk_Wm1Fbo6Eg4hXxLSkyJcfN2ORUOeOHEX00h0ORutp4hiYPM_bX6zxvV7xtLllMjZIKL3o2l0ibo8m4CDz7i/s1600/IMG_0308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKrz6gm7bx6KNQM8Tn5-7PwJMAAbCtgbP01bYIbsVqNBIk1Li9kDk92osk_Wm1Fbo6Eg4hXxLSkyJcfN2ORUOeOHEX00h0ORutp4hiYPM_bX6zxvV7xtLllMjZIKL3o2l0ibo8m4CDz7i/s400/IMG_0308.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The floors. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZyAVV49j3nKa8ZqKpNWcV4Y_1D5JPMI1id4Pj_vaLJjj7yBNWe7r1-aXVNdN0TAeIW4TjwxAdRyxlQToGpNU6VbBtUFWfjlqIWYTy0M1noc-gTkVr3uSgfah10n6omR_gMuUnLloaIzB/s1600/IMG_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZyAVV49j3nKa8ZqKpNWcV4Y_1D5JPMI1id4Pj_vaLJjj7yBNWe7r1-aXVNdN0TAeIW4TjwxAdRyxlQToGpNU6VbBtUFWfjlqIWYTy0M1noc-gTkVr3uSgfah10n6omR_gMuUnLloaIzB/s400/IMG_0309.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kohler's Lilies Lore sink. Shut the front door! I love this thing.</td></tr>
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So, there you go, a full tour of two very different bathrooms! I adore them both, frankly, and cannot choose a favorite. And even though there were some times on the first floor bathroom that I thought I might have lost my mind and was going to create a bathroom that looked like fruit salad, I think we are both glad that we took the design risks that we did. It is an inviting space, with great details, and I think if we had backed off anywhere for "safer" choices, the room would not have come together completely.<br />
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I send you all off into your summer with many hopes for good weather and great barbecues and fun times with friends and family. If you don't hear from me until after August 1, know that I am still thinking of you, and as soon as the new book is finished, I will be back with updates on the rest of the renovations!<br />
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Yours in Good Taste,<br />
The PolymathStacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-50907276930988330932016-05-16T09:17:00.002-05:002016-05-16T09:17:51.339-05:00Kitchen Reveal!Hello Chickens! <br />
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Goodness we are having a time trying to get Spring to really get Sprung over here. But the weather foibles are not dampening the mood over at the Chateau, because I am delighted to report that the kitchen is finally 100% finished! Which seems appropriate because it coincided with the release of my new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wedding-Girl-Stacey-Ballis/dp/0425276619/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463407201&sr=8-1&keywords=wedding+girl">WEDDING GIRL</a>, which so far, people seem to be enjoying... if you haven't picked up your copy yet, I hope you will, it is the perfect thing to get you into your summer reading!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ipVsYZ9UT2DWdgge7FcyfcTJ8zzx6k0bsD4nk0JeXs2i2SFY-JMy_O_BRG6qON7OvjY2_ZId_F7EZKkPc7qQXUfKVmtPF920kYdeJWnPmWx7dqwTfJ-gkHbCPPytsKwWxxY42CPucn7j/s1600/Wedding+Girl+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ipVsYZ9UT2DWdgge7FcyfcTJ8zzx6k0bsD4nk0JeXs2i2SFY-JMy_O_BRG6qON7OvjY2_ZId_F7EZKkPc7qQXUfKVmtPF920kYdeJWnPmWx7dqwTfJ-gkHbCPPytsKwWxxY42CPucn7j/s320/Wedding+Girl+Cover.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
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Now on to the yummies! Today I have some great pics to share with you of the new kitchen. Credit for all photos to the most excellent Mike Kaskel, architectural photographer extraordinaire.</div>
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Ready to see????</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkimnbwtyQK06LRvoKB_wx3wyDm-61mNevxfxbbHKYpd-n2GH3pCwue0Rug-pjwfUKEwU0SsnupdQn0PdWRm1rZfGMmcGZch6JuBgPiS-lJZ5ZqxuSk8h_e9hLW2wG5TXJn7OtNROdYM0/s1600/Kitchen+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkimnbwtyQK06LRvoKB_wx3wyDm-61mNevxfxbbHKYpd-n2GH3pCwue0Rug-pjwfUKEwU0SsnupdQn0PdWRm1rZfGMmcGZch6JuBgPiS-lJZ5ZqxuSk8h_e9hLW2wG5TXJn7OtNROdYM0/s400/Kitchen+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the view facing South, of the U shaped main cooking section. On the back wall are the BlueStar Rangetop, hood and gas oven with and the La Cornue Flamberge rotisserie. On the peninsula the Gaggenau induction cooktop and steamer. Under the window, the Blanco sink and faucet. And of course, the glorious Poggenpohl cabinetry throughout.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYTDTgDgAglffmekPRPq-soMSXL-Dj1-3ucs0JhwZjGuyDZt0d9JwfdhkTfMzFnrocKD5nNnKGTIhs0nfnDeKcWn0or6P8Q1FQ1CbyPrpHa2_Lo8EgcDRbxaYamu6riQRK-i88MJgOVyT/s1600/kitchen+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYTDTgDgAglffmekPRPq-soMSXL-Dj1-3ucs0JhwZjGuyDZt0d9JwfdhkTfMzFnrocKD5nNnKGTIhs0nfnDeKcWn0or6P8Q1FQ1CbyPrpHa2_Lo8EgcDRbxaYamu6riQRK-i88MJgOVyT/s400/kitchen+2.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A different view of the U, capturing some of the steel beam details...we love how these original beams are fitting into the contemporary design!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUeJRFbgsaZXu16ptOpbfDC4QUjVSeyPLn7fERjoo7WOYvQi8HB9o3xSDSsOz_8Xu0JnNxK6RcC0p31qAscu1JS0jSXHGX9T4AihIMnH8IjbySPNhdaB8O2SFq8FV5Ppiqokufv3D2qLV/s1600/kitchen+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUeJRFbgsaZXu16ptOpbfDC4QUjVSeyPLn7fERjoo7WOYvQi8HB9o3xSDSsOz_8Xu0JnNxK6RcC0p31qAscu1JS0jSXHGX9T4AihIMnH8IjbySPNhdaB8O2SFq8FV5Ppiqokufv3D2qLV/s400/kitchen+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pretty good view from the back porch door of the whole space, you can see the baking area across the way, and you can really see the Cosentino/StoneMasters counters in all their glory, plus a peek at the custom Larchwood Canada butcher block.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkh_qbm5VXfoFIVHsSHKQE_VLbF4w2__bd4bnmmtzXlPHhGW2NwkyJoDpSH3PT76fUTKecOKNhmK9UhILi7PtsSz_Ngo8XAzc_8vKznkj6LRJj1vZ-15IGdx4MKDQbvJorLq26T0PYkmEL/s1600/kitchen+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkh_qbm5VXfoFIVHsSHKQE_VLbF4w2__bd4bnmmtzXlPHhGW2NwkyJoDpSH3PT76fUTKecOKNhmK9UhILi7PtsSz_Ngo8XAzc_8vKznkj6LRJj1vZ-15IGdx4MKDQbvJorLq26T0PYkmEL/s400/kitchen+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing in front of the rangetop looking across at the baking section with the BlueStar electric wall oven and the Gaggenau warming drawer underneath.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvO6Hwci67kNm6AvpTouvzql7p97qbNnWLo4UiDFFmrj2fV0y2sduz5muqH3QdVArKhN1M3Aw39stYs1Lt1Vn5xgbqoo2I-jw0KVV10EmUybTZ0EcUskDRtxQBE1nmvRLLyD-iO6BtvVrg/s1600/kitchen+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvO6Hwci67kNm6AvpTouvzql7p97qbNnWLo4UiDFFmrj2fV0y2sduz5muqH3QdVArKhN1M3Aw39stYs1Lt1Vn5xgbqoo2I-jw0KVV10EmUybTZ0EcUskDRtxQBE1nmvRLLyD-iO6BtvVrg/s400/kitchen+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting a look from the end of the island, you can see the integrated Miele dishwasher to the left of the sink.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-po-bHgMvr1eZN-1UVMHmRAP7_fnyvbfJHA16e9yglcnMalH8Fv97lVd2ixvLUaNijQ-YUgufyfEuxHdO4h2U75UGe4sRZ3yRMaHKnJU8tBZc7kmTESi9UQW_0TkBO2PAEKItUTIkivQM/s1600/kitchen+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-po-bHgMvr1eZN-1UVMHmRAP7_fnyvbfJHA16e9yglcnMalH8Fv97lVd2ixvLUaNijQ-YUgufyfEuxHdO4h2U75UGe4sRZ3yRMaHKnJU8tBZc7kmTESi9UQW_0TkBO2PAEKItUTIkivQM/s400/kitchen+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The baking nook! Another hidden Miele dishwasher to the left of the sink, and the Marvel wine cooler to the right. The TV is hidden behind the artwork!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcu1M-AygpB-KSmzrqTJGPgK9ZPgF58_iACfwTAnUp_UtYnkUB2dYVI7B8Z5mamqCtuGDJkd9WVSvzgStf7XE7BL6bHz8eJFD0rWG7Jk4XKWLG4F8MhE8EpqJM6h5WIxCfkG2-Qxy4qoZ/s1600/kitchen+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcu1M-AygpB-KSmzrqTJGPgK9ZPgF58_iACfwTAnUp_UtYnkUB2dYVI7B8Z5mamqCtuGDJkd9WVSvzgStf7XE7BL6bHz8eJFD0rWG7Jk4XKWLG4F8MhE8EpqJM6h5WIxCfkG2-Qxy4qoZ/s400/kitchen+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing behind the dining table and looking out, you can get a look at the Marvel fridge and freezer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0BeOvgTis9PMDCXdVrUw_HsM7XsXvPBKWKhPKsZh7HKQnindaK789qQoYr_WMMVZPTBA3rTpN4ayJw6Uza6aHpSShiMxTC8JNmwAHe0zKMgFrqyShWX15FLaUMV7MF2hJ4xbClG_Fv65/s1600/kitchen+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0BeOvgTis9PMDCXdVrUw_HsM7XsXvPBKWKhPKsZh7HKQnindaK789qQoYr_WMMVZPTBA3rTpN4ayJw6Uza6aHpSShiMxTC8JNmwAHe0zKMgFrqyShWX15FLaUMV7MF2hJ4xbClG_Fv65/s400/kitchen+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final look at the main cooking wall, highlights the backsplash, a single pane of back-painted glass...so easy to keep clean and a really slick look!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FRCALXMVm8dbqMbX0RsVXX2Ll8CF5jYt9lwRGEZYQpOEuGj96yZyz8-8zKN0Zn_3HusoaQCuuyeZNZSgsYjfXrdHSunqPpfrInRBoLWj-91Nj9eT-B2LWEknTtXAVdrNwhyphenhyphenwfeazFvaz/s1600/kitchen+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FRCALXMVm8dbqMbX0RsVXX2Ll8CF5jYt9lwRGEZYQpOEuGj96yZyz8-8zKN0Zn_3HusoaQCuuyeZNZSgsYjfXrdHSunqPpfrInRBoLWj-91Nj9eT-B2LWEknTtXAVdrNwhyphenhyphenwfeazFvaz/s400/kitchen+12.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poggenpohl drawers can hold up to 200 pounds of stuff! And I'm in love with these plate and bowl organizers, the racks lift right out of the drawers for easy use on buffets or for setting the table. Genius!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gpYjoaDPa51WGNMIxnSLkeyJZ7HgYzfx56XXKJ1_83sk_ikJN0Q8NBIpRbrjhLRk9VJMqaVOmF69gOAEslUuToAvb1vZ5RflQRnnQNXBiJwlj3MnPM1lHvf2iXEuI1W-yYfpCUu9Ppyi/s1600/stacey+kitchen+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gpYjoaDPa51WGNMIxnSLkeyJZ7HgYzfx56XXKJ1_83sk_ikJN0Q8NBIpRbrjhLRk9VJMqaVOmF69gOAEslUuToAvb1vZ5RflQRnnQNXBiJwlj3MnPM1lHvf2iXEuI1W-yYfpCUu9Ppyi/s400/stacey+kitchen+2.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what a happy Polymath looks like!</td></tr>
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That is the little photo tour of the day...I hope you like seeing the finished product as much as I am enjoying cooking in it! There will be many more details to come, but when I saw these pictures, I couldn't resist sharing them with everyone who has been following along on the journey!</div>
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Yours in Good Taste,</div>
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The Polymath</div>
Stacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-87378696156127181822016-05-01T08:00:00.000-05:002016-05-01T08:00:13.184-05:00A Little Love Letter...Hello, Chickens! <br />
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I know you are all waiting on house updates, and I promise there is so much coming down the pike your heads will spin... but today I want to talk about the most important thing I've ever done to my house.<br />
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I moved this guy into it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zRmkjHHU-D2DHhBGmF0dwjh8ystsgqkXsy38UH3mYmdKnxyg2_b9qsGGpcQ9ORZnGVv7_NQnH521KvttNDJ0aaboBYYSrr5uSfzISXYWnX5Bck7QFvR2zVLSv6aX0ZlWBFFOlMrwh-yr/s1600/Bill+and+Stacey+Beccas+Graduation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zRmkjHHU-D2DHhBGmF0dwjh8ystsgqkXsy38UH3mYmdKnxyg2_b9qsGGpcQ9ORZnGVv7_NQnH521KvttNDJ0aaboBYYSrr5uSfzISXYWnX5Bck7QFvR2zVLSv6aX0ZlWBFFOlMrwh-yr/s400/Bill+and+Stacey+Beccas+Graduation.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charming Suitor and me at his niece's high school graduation party 2010</td></tr>
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Now you all know how I feel about this house, but let me tell you, after 20 years of living in it, it never looked so good or felt more like home than when my Charming Suitor moved in. And let me be clear, this was a big deal. At the time, I was still renting. CS owned a lovely arts and crafts bungalow in a beautiful and coveted neighborhood. He loved his house. Lucky for me, he loved me more. Or as he will tell you, "I knew that you and that house were a package deal.".<br />
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Five years ago today, this happened.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWGHtW06rGgYG5gVa8mW2eNIYftH8TlfSD5zHwAts2mq02BE06L4t8TO_kifpCAS4kZrIlt-1jchqHbNYeQh3dW_qdRGDgODwzPtzWid4LlhyRknlwINFlg_5HCoeXz_vdLUNzIuT2DyW/s1600/ZPhoto-Stacey%252BBill-Small-199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWGHtW06rGgYG5gVa8mW2eNIYftH8TlfSD5zHwAts2mq02BE06L4t8TO_kifpCAS4kZrIlt-1jchqHbNYeQh3dW_qdRGDgODwzPtzWid4LlhyRknlwINFlg_5HCoeXz_vdLUNzIuT2DyW/s320/ZPhoto-Stacey%252BBill-Small-199.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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I can tell you that it has felt like five minutes and five lifetimes in all of the best possible ways. Not only do I love this amazing man more every day, but I LIKE him more every day, and that is the coolest thing ever.<br />
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In the past five years we bought our Chateau and sold his bungalow, and completed two and a half years of renovations. We have had travel adventures galore, both domestic and abroad, and special family memories and visits with friends. We have cooked a lot together, for each other and for loved ones. We've gained a brother, a niece and two nephews. We became dance school dropouts. We've seen great art and great theater and heard great music, and also the opposite. Our families have become family to each other seamlessly and effortlessly. We've eaten a lot of great food and have drunk a lot of great wine.<br />
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We have purchased an inordinate amount of kitchen appliances.<br />
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Nothing is easier, more comfortable, or more fun than us. Just ask us. We're cute as flipping bunnies.<br />
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One of the best gifts my CS gives me everyday is his support of my work. He is so proud of me, my biggest cheerleader, my personal PR department. And more importantly, he is enormously respectful...of my process, of my schedule, of the endless quirks that go along with being married to any full time artist. And he never thinks of it as not a "real" job. Being with him, having him in my life has made me a better writer.<br />
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So on this, the five year anniversary of our I Do's, it seemed only appropriate to take this brief moment to do two things.<br />
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First, and foremost, to publicly acknowledge the extraordinary man I was lucky enough to marry five years ago today and to thank him for still being my Charming Suitor. For being as demonstrative and romantic today as he was when we were courting. For being my rock, and letting me be his. I am without doubt the most blessed woman there is, and I am truly grateful everyday.<br />
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Secondly, since he would literally be annoyed if I didn't...<br />
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On May 3, my newest book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wedding-Girl-Stacey-Ballis/dp/0425276619/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462032452&sr=8-1&keywords=wedding+girl">WEDDING GIRL</a> will be released.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNSLfQV8UbsKulxT1-sJKthSZ0bK5Fu1Giu6q3jqzDTn4ue97cwSs15-d0oudbI4_y43BgaCWhnATKynMDXlbwWa4_CKeQXyVaVWI33Y6lpIeBLd2qHOKFaN1iu9_vyf5RTtg5W-wbePM/s1600/Wedding+Girl+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNSLfQV8UbsKulxT1-sJKthSZ0bK5Fu1Giu6q3jqzDTn4ue97cwSs15-d0oudbI4_y43BgaCWhnATKynMDXlbwWa4_CKeQXyVaVWI33Y6lpIeBLd2qHOKFaN1iu9_vyf5RTtg5W-wbePM/s400/Wedding+Girl+Cover.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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What is more appropriate to promote on my wedding anniversary? I'm really proud of it, and I think you will love it, so I hope you will <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wedding-Girl-Stacey-Ballis/dp/0425276619/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462032452&sr=8-1&keywords=wedding+girl">pre-order it</a>.<br />
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But I also want to mention that if you have never had a chance to read my book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Off-Menu-Stacey-Ballis/dp/042524766X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1462032577&sr=1-2&keywords=off+the+menu">OFF THE MENU</a>, it is a love letter to my Charming Suitor, and was inspired by our real life romance. Essentially, I took about 80% of our courtship, including some of our actual email correspondance, and plunked it into a fictional story. So if you want to take a trip down memory lane with me and CS, it might be a good time to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Off-Menu-Stacey-Ballis/dp/042524766X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1462032577&sr=1-2&keywords=off+the+menu">revisit this one</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBDXQdoadQKhrCDdYiGkqLINP-trwAIvKfserCN_Vk04-NPyISiauJ3iFDlks_NmzK6efSYtKH-A6-VqXN9Po1K2RMj9tEm4QwM0ZDrx-IMjxoPf8kUip7EwbVwi1oatBPKLcgC8EhZfR/s1600/OFF+THE+MENU+high+res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBDXQdoadQKhrCDdYiGkqLINP-trwAIvKfserCN_Vk04-NPyISiauJ3iFDlks_NmzK6efSYtKH-A6-VqXN9Po1K2RMj9tEm4QwM0ZDrx-IMjxoPf8kUip7EwbVwi1oatBPKLcgC8EhZfR/s400/OFF+THE+MENU+high+res.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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Think of it as an anniversary present to us!<br />
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A very happy May Day to one and all...and a very happy anniversary to my Charming Suitor. I can't wait to see what the next five years bring!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEfNlMMU9PGJUYZO4PhiN8cSmrCjjIVALSgbTn6xc6jXzzZm8mOd15QP9isD55-oADASWYCBqewpqSk9fMGjRv2Z9M4P-bCfbOHDaP8s_irg_JL33nHSFXw2bk9UUbQ0pQ4kPrIrL2qPn/s1600/ZPhoto-Stacey%252BBill-Small-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEfNlMMU9PGJUYZO4PhiN8cSmrCjjIVALSgbTn6xc6jXzzZm8mOd15QP9isD55-oADASWYCBqewpqSk9fMGjRv2Z9M4P-bCfbOHDaP8s_irg_JL33nHSFXw2bk9UUbQ0pQ4kPrIrL2qPn/s320/ZPhoto-Stacey%252BBill-Small-25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yours in Good Taste, (and madly in love)<br />
StaceyStacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-70892528944088867062016-04-14T08:00:00.000-05:002016-04-14T08:00:15.474-05:00It Spins Me Right RoundChickens-<br />
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Remember how I'm always telling you to make your lists of your need to haves, nice to haves, and would be like a little miracle to haves? Well I'm here to report that miracles do happen.<br />
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You might also remember that I was fortunate enough to have an odometer birthday right when we were finalizing appliance selection, and Charming Suitor gifted me with my <a href="http://blog.polymathchronicles.net/2016/02/the-cherry-on-top.html">miracle item</a>.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.lacornueusa.com/">La Cornue</a> Flamberge Rotisserie was our major splurge for this kitchen. A completely extraneous luxury, and would have been the first thing to get cut if we had needed to make cuts. But boy am I glad we did it.<br />
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Our Cosentino and Stone Masters team clad the tower in the same Dekton as the countertops, to make sure that nothing flammable was in the way. Our amazing contractors converted our old vintage freestanding butcher block to a fabulous rolling one with the help of some industrial casters, and an antique brass towel bar that poor CS had to strip 100 years of paint off of. Install was a breeze, and we decided that for our first dinner in the new kitchen, we would make a chicken.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QtN9zMgAYdiWekzBBU80bCjTZw59wFb3JBTmfKwC30bFuxcuBTQgE0q9ljZpl8og3orbr6S2mGWv5_ISKXTg_9nZxTiLamq0Hp1Mgj6xCnQsYZJwf9mF6O5vg1rCIjo_qZhsLyhu_xW1/s1600/rotisserie+install.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QtN9zMgAYdiWekzBBU80bCjTZw59wFb3JBTmfKwC30bFuxcuBTQgE0q9ljZpl8og3orbr6S2mGWv5_ISKXTg_9nZxTiLamq0Hp1Mgj6xCnQsYZJwf9mF6O5vg1rCIjo_qZhsLyhu_xW1/s400/rotisserie+install.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiMr1bgQHTDgdc1uCj5sfayCC4oVksXGlOCrQxvQAmB-jQf_b91hs7I2IWhxxs8xk6M_YeY-nFqhBc6o6Nevoo4e-_Rsg-Ylt6xbZjkrQpoo6u14kJunMy7pJIruEkzPGHa1lS099D0AB/s1600/Rotissere+closeup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiMr1bgQHTDgdc1uCj5sfayCC4oVksXGlOCrQxvQAmB-jQf_b91hs7I2IWhxxs8xk6M_YeY-nFqhBc6o6Nevoo4e-_Rsg-Ylt6xbZjkrQpoo6u14kJunMy7pJIruEkzPGHa1lS099D0AB/s400/Rotissere+closeup.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Whee!!!<br />
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We decided for our first meal in the new kitchen, we would make a chicken.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEry_OS9em2Mtn8pCcjnYMvfDGQ41Q6CgmPt_1MYUwYAx2USMe__jsy2sJppRQWgcXGP7mmAO7pF_pRICbRmkHF-GYnK0MPpzkj3zHVvsCDtcCjBOfR0wfKjiW96Z3j-xe1-oY7MdgCTr/s1600/Chicken+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEry_OS9em2Mtn8pCcjnYMvfDGQ41Q6CgmPt_1MYUwYAx2USMe__jsy2sJppRQWgcXGP7mmAO7pF_pRICbRmkHF-GYnK0MPpzkj3zHVvsCDtcCjBOfR0wfKjiW96Z3j-xe1-oY7MdgCTr/s400/Chicken+1.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing chicken!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAW9YGw1sCoDyP_kFMDaO1atJs9ORJiLnhirq6FqkyCKefZPl9aByQCgiCUPsFHl-1hQJltEplHwIJNtIjAhGnBvJFplTuH29GbB57TVmn4DDrEis5504TAUSglTrNsJ9yf2kzfK1GwqbQ/s1600/chicken+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAW9YGw1sCoDyP_kFMDaO1atJs9ORJiLnhirq6FqkyCKefZPl9aByQCgiCUPsFHl-1hQJltEplHwIJNtIjAhGnBvJFplTuH29GbB57TVmn4DDrEis5504TAUSglTrNsJ9yf2kzfK1GwqbQ/s400/chicken+2.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It comes with this porcelain tray to catch the drippings...you can also cook veggies and things in it.</td></tr>
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Oh my.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEk9qOTQ_igHkLpffWyuG6PW46vFq5m6d3LaUn_OExdXyyPprhsI_LDXiSAfehzfgtsnhPcJI7HixCsHIaiKkotEHd4wMfMIbkmfESdKdr07JsCKJ2Bg_djXFIbvEae3EOKh68TZhIPHR/s1600/roasted-chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEk9qOTQ_igHkLpffWyuG6PW46vFq5m6d3LaUn_OExdXyyPprhsI_LDXiSAfehzfgtsnhPcJI7HixCsHIaiKkotEHd4wMfMIbkmfESdKdr07JsCKJ2Bg_djXFIbvEae3EOKh68TZhIPHR/s320/roasted-chicken.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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People? I did not do anything special to make this chicken. I did not brine or dry brine or make a rub or baste it. I took it out of the fridge, tied the legs and wings down so they wouldn't burn, sprayed it with a bit of grapeseed oil and sprinkled with salt. An hour later, this thing was done, skin fully rendered and crispy, meat so juicy that the breast meat was the same moistness as the dark meat. It was one of the best chickens we have ever eaten, and the perfect way to christen the kitchen.<br />
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Since then we have done several more chickens and one leg of lamb. Everything comes out perfectly, and it is the easiest thing in the world to use. We had friends over for dinner on a weeknight, and it made our lives so easy, just pulled two chickens out and set them up right before they arrived, and by the time we had finished our cocktails and nibbles, they were done. Our pals agreed it was one of the best chickens they had ever had.<br />
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One knob turns on the flame and adjusts the temp, the other turns the spits. The front shifts out for larger items, so next on the agenda is a prime rib. It can hold up to 12 pounds of meat at one time. The spits and tray can all go into the dishwasher. And since the wicks are made of ceramic fibers, they never need to be replaced! As long as we keep it clean, this thing should be making us chickens and other delicious dinners for the rest of our lives. <br />
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And the bonus part? Now that we have the magical <a href="http://blog.polymathchronicles.net/2016/04/a-chill-is-in-air.html">Marvel fridge</a>, there is actually room in the freezer for a stock pot scrap bag, so I've been saving all the carcasses of our lovely chickens and bits and bits of veggies so that I can make a big batch of stock...to store in the freezer! You wouldn't think this would make me so excited, but it is the little things.<br />
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I'll keep you posted as we try more different foods in it. I can't tell you how tempted I am to make a S'more...<br />
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More updates soon!<br />
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Yours in Good Taste,<br />
The Polymath<br />
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<br />Stacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-49747835659208431722016-04-12T08:00:00.000-05:002016-04-12T08:00:20.093-05:00A Chill is in the AirChickens-<br />
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So I figured the best way to handle the kitchen reno reveals, is to just remind you of the previous posts and then update you on how the choices are working out so far!<br />
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So today, we can revisit refrigeration! Remember the <a href="http://blog.polymathchronicles.net/2015/12/baby-its-cold-inside.html">fridge post</a>? Well all three of the <a href="http://www.agamarvel.com/">Marvel</a> fridges are installed and loaded and ready for a full report. And the report? Is awesome!<br />
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First, the big boy...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLM2Mm1y4W0vuPrQu0o4FGMxNuNXul26HimadVKilPyPF91UV8mcJO_v8EfkMkgJaUjMYXK8YGTMOWdwW0yXC9lhkFgiVX_cJppVsp8ueQXcW0P5saMwfnbgsBC_-Kc3FIZeGr0l1pRJN/s1600/Big+fridge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLM2Mm1y4W0vuPrQu0o4FGMxNuNXul26HimadVKilPyPF91UV8mcJO_v8EfkMkgJaUjMYXK8YGTMOWdwW0yXC9lhkFgiVX_cJppVsp8ueQXcW0P5saMwfnbgsBC_-Kc3FIZeGr0l1pRJN/s400/Big+fridge.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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We decided to inset the fridge between the food pantry and the kitchen library, so that it would not stick out into the room, much as you might do if you were installing it within your cabinetry. We trimmed out the space with woodwork that matches the original woodwork from the house, so that it would integrate well. And we chose the glass door on the fridge so that it would break up the look, and not create a wall of stainless steel.<br />
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Here is the fridge side, opened. And yes, that awesome blue light is standard, and I just love it! Ditto the stainless steel interior, which is both easy to clean and looks terrific. You'll notice that there are four deep drawers at the bottom, we have designated one of these for vegetables, one for deli meats and other easy lunch items, one for raw meats, and one for fruit. The rest of the space is just open shelving, so I invested heavily in plastic trays and bins and organizers so that we could corral the rest of our stuff. We bought this fridge because it is very deep, so it holds a great deal, and is amazing for large entertaining platters and such, but it does require some forethought on the organization side, especially when you have a small condiment hoarding problem as we do. I have a tray for Asian ingredients, one for other condiments, one for salad dressings, one for pickles, one for jams and jellies. We've got the whole top shelf for beverages, the second one down for dairy, and we keep the bottom shelf fairly open for leftovers or other prepped items. I have to say, it has been a really amazing shift from our old small fridge to this one...everything has a place, and I don't have to completely pull everything out of a shelf to add or remove an item. Glorious!<br />
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If you thought the fridge was changing our life? Then the freezer is the Amen corner. Remember our other freezer?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!</td></tr>
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Hello, gorgeous....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyCYqKird9EIlA4mIK0ci7mMOgXrNTrS-p1H7TuHu-3Ur2QFg6932vjNdJ9_UXAWITpwoTRBiEsvcA2GniZDeQ9EPAzERVxsYDhWejxMjdQDxeAAzlq8ZFREJGYLg2SLHk9tMFW0fIH7S/s1600/open+freezer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyCYqKird9EIlA4mIK0ci7mMOgXrNTrS-p1H7TuHu-3Ur2QFg6932vjNdJ9_UXAWITpwoTRBiEsvcA2GniZDeQ9EPAzERVxsYDhWejxMjdQDxeAAzlq8ZFREJGYLg2SLHk9tMFW0fIH7S/s400/open+freezer.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">can you hear angels singing?</td></tr>
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Because this door isn't glass, it gets these five great door bins. Four mesh drawers, and four perforated adjustable shelves make sure that air flow is keeping everything at the right temperature. More plastic bins and trays help again with organization, but I finally have room for all my baking supplies that can spoil or go rancid if left at room temp, frozen meats and vegetables, plenty of room for ice and everything easily accessible. I fairly well mist up everytime I open the door. Nothing hard and frozen has fallen on my toes since it arrived!<br />
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This model comes with an ice maker, but we removed it. We don't use ice in our everyday drinks, just for cocktails, and for those we like inch square clear ice cubes that we buy in bags. And we all know what happens if you don't use up your ice on a regular basis, it picks up off flavors and leaves little floaters in your drinks. It would have been difficult and expensive to get plumbing to this area of the room, and we decided that we would rather have the extra room in the freezer and continue to purchase our ice as we need it, but most of you would probably choose to keep it in and use it. Luckily, there is plenty of room for ice bags!<br />
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You might remember that we also were installing an undercounter wine fridge. This means that Charming Suitor can keep it stocked with the stuff that is perfect for everyday drinking, and the bottles that I can feel free to open when my girlfriends come over without worrying that I'm accidentally opening something really expensive!<br />
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I love the sleek look of this thing! The glass door again serves to break up the look of solid cabinetry, and echoes the look of the big fridge. <br />
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The drawers are super sturdy and edged in real wood, each one holds 9 bottles, so there are 54 bottles stored in here! It is dual zone, so you can keep your whites and bubbles slightly cooler than your reds. We are keeping the top drawer for vermouth and Lillet and port, and anything we need for cocktails so that they no longer take up room in the big fridge.<br />
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Now for the real kicker. The cheese fridge! I know, I know, the very idea of a cheese fridge is beyond luxurious. But we love our cheeses! Can't be helped. And perfect cheese storage is both warmer and more humid than your regular fridge. For most people, we recommend you simply buy cheeses as you need them, and eat them within a week or so. I also highly recommend you remove them from the fridge about 2 hours before you want to serve them, for optimal texture and flavor. For us, with the amount of entertaining we do, and the fact that we nearly always do a cheese course with our dinners, we thought it would be a really fun indulgence to have a special storage set up just for that purpose in the kitchen library, so we got the small 15" wine fridge. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4BVwMTfvxruDcI5dKGdqxsA5wLm088tnkqrUOSketjWAhY5SwRzUK4mQdUkdeG45W4IbN7MC34KOGxWcyEvsSZ1v4fjwiFQf1jXmk_43EO1DxEdEY8nqecArckdl632XkTD741uBSrAK/s1600/cheese+fridge+install.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4BVwMTfvxruDcI5dKGdqxsA5wLm088tnkqrUOSketjWAhY5SwRzUK4mQdUkdeG45W4IbN7MC34KOGxWcyEvsSZ1v4fjwiFQf1jXmk_43EO1DxEdEY8nqecArckdl632XkTD741uBSrAK/s400/cheese+fridge+install.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Now, a wine fridge is the optimal temperature for long term cheese storage, but not the right humidity. To fix that required a little MacGuyvering.<br />
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First, I bought a little travel humidifier.<br />
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This takes regular bottles of water, and is a fairly small scale. The AC power cord is thin enough that you can snake it through the door of the wine fridge without affecting it's ability to close properly. I refill the bottle about once a week to keep things the proper level of humidity. We also had to alter the bottom three drawers by removing essentially one sixth of the back of those drawers so that they would slide around the humidifier, which is very small, but a bit tall. Our contractors did this with a small hacksaw, and we lost very little capacity, without losing any functionality of the drawers themselves. We then lined the drawers in black plastic mesh, the kind they use in bars to protect glasses, easy to cut to fit and make sure none of our precious little packages fall thru the openings.<br />
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Cheese and sausage are great friends, and they like the same sort of storage!<br />
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Hello yummies! <br />
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All three of our fridge choices are absolutely working the way we wanted them to, and making life so much more delicious. I continue to recommend Marvel products wholeheartedly, and hope you will check them out when you are doing your own kitchens, they are not the most famous name, but I really believe they are the best!<br />
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Stay tuned, much more to come :)<br />
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Yours in Good Taste,<br />
The PolymathStacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-31900745994379517732016-04-05T13:08:00.001-05:002016-04-05T13:08:51.836-05:00A Tale of Two CountertopsChickens-<br />
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Hope that Spring is springing where you are, Chicago is experiencing days of 70 degrees with a chance of snow, and I wish that weren't true. The weather here is like watching time lapse video of the seasons. Its a bit unsettling, but we are taking the good with the weird and pressing onward.<br />
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Today it is time to share some exciting news...the countertops are IN! They are glorious, they are everything we ever wanted and then some. They are perfect. But it was a long haul and required the support of many extraordinary people along the way.<br />
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You know how I have been waxing poetical about our countertop folks, the amazing designers at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Cosentino-Center-Chicago-193173284116055/">Cosentino</a> and the artisan fabricators at <a href="http://stonemasters99.com/">Stone Masters</a>? I'm about to take that up several notches, because in the land of renovations, the only thing you can count on is that stuff is going to go wrong. Sometimes EPICALLY wrong. (<a href="http://blog.polymathchronicles.net/2014/12/every-castle-needs-moat.html">See Moat post here.</a>) And when the shit hits the proverbial fan, this is where you really find out whether your partners are the real deal. Any idiot can take credit when stuff goes perfectly. "Here is this thing that I recommended you purchase from me, and I have delivered it and installed it and it works the way it was supposed to, without any issues...you're welcome." <br />
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But I don't care about those guys. What I care about? Are the people who take as much pride and concern in customer service as they do in the products they sell. Whose level of commitment and care is as strong if not stronger at the back end as it is on the front. THOSE are the people you want to do business with.<br />
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If you missed the original countertop post, you can catch up <a href="http://blog.polymathchronicles.net/2016/03/counter-intuitive-part-2.html">HERE</a>.<br />
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Our kitchen counters were, to say the least, complex. We were asking a lot of them. <br />
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As you may remember, the kitchen is divided into two sections:<br />
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There is the L shaped section on the left, which has a cutout for a sink. And then the U shaped section on the right, which has cutouts for the sink, induction cooktop, and steamer, and also needs to create the breakfast bar and slides INTO the window wells to become the sills for the windows for a truly seamless look and ease of cleaning and function. Not to mention that the scale of it is pretty large, so you are looking at long runs of counter. Plus all of the edges are beveled, which is to say that they have to apply a 2 inch section of the material around the edge so that it looks like the counters are 2 inches thick. (You don't want your counters to actually be 2 inches thick, the weight would make your cabinets collapse.) Then you add in the backsplashes, and the fact that the material we chose has a veining pattern that needs to be matched up both on the backsplashes and the edging...I believe it is probably one of the hardest countertop projects anyone could have designed.<br />
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One of the reasons we have been working with Stone Masters is that they are expert at this kind of complicated detailed work. And they are the only ones who have been working with Dekton, the material we chose. Dekton is a pretty amazing product, but it is brand new, and so very few fabricators have been working with it, and we, unbeknownst to us, were about to push it to its limits.<br />
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Cosentino sent the slabs over to Stone Masters and they got to work. We set an install date, and hired a scissor lift to get the countertops up to the second floor. Little did we know that we set the date for a day that would be 4 degrees with -12 wind chill factor. The guys loaded the truck. They arrived onsite. The L shaped piece and the small pieces for the island and the little niche between the gas cooktop and the oven tower came up and were installed easy peasy. Then they brought up the big boy, the piece that covers the back wall, creates the windowsills and makes the corner up to the gas cooktop. They rested it in place and brought up the peninsula piece. As they were sliding the peninsula into place, the worst. POP. A crack. Then a louder POP, and the other slab cracked. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So sad :(</td></tr>
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You cannot imagine the devastation. I felt helpless, looking at these terrific guys who had taken such care to make the perfect counters, so many man hours, just destroyed. And of course, sad for us, because the day was supposed to be joyous, almost anyone will tell you that the kitchen renovation doesn't really start to feel like a kitchen till the counters go in, it is a magical moment, and now, after all that anticipation, we were going to have to start all over.<br />
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I did the only thing I could think to do, ran out to go get some pizzas, so that I could feed the guys and we could all regroup. And here? Right here? Is where the amazing happened.<br />
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By the time I got home with pizza and pop for everyone, the kitchen was bustling. The owner of Stone Masters and his right hand man were there, along with their best fabricators. The general manager of Cosentino was there with his team. Everyone had dropped everything to come to the house to see what had happened and to brainstorm together how to fix it.<br />
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You guys? I cried. Not because my beautiful countertops were ruined and the kitchen project stalled. But because the moment things went sideways, everyone came rushing in to figure it out. No one laid blame or cast aspersions. No one got angry or snarky or poked fingers. They just all came together in an extraordinary show of professionalism to support each other and find a way to make things happen. Cosentino put a rush on to get new slabs over to Stone Masters. Stone Masters started calling the Dekton guys in Spain where it is manufactured to talk to their experts about what might have happened. They all treated it like a teachable moment, and wanted to learn as much as possible from what had happened, while still figuring out how to get us countertops ASAP. It was one of the most amazing things I had ever witnessed.<br />
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Those are the people you want in your corner. The ones who step up when stuff doesn't go as planned to create a fix. <br />
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And then? It got even more incredible.<br />
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Within a week? Two representatives from Cosentino headquarters from SPAIN were in my kitchen to look at what had happened, and to visit with Stone Masters to advise on the project. What the WHAT? Our project was so unique and the cracking was so surprising, that they felt the need to really come see what was going on. It made me happy to know that everyone was so invested. We knew when we agreed to use a really cutting edge brand new product for this project that it was a risk, and they had assured us that it was a risk worth taking, and now that the risk had turned out to be an issue, everyone was really on top of learning what they could learn.<br />
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Here is what the team figured out. If possible? Do not take a high tension product with a lot of cutouts and inside corners and complicated edges out of a 65 degree shop into a van and then exposed into 4 degree cold and then into a 70 degree kitchen. It don't like it. POP.<br />
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We all decided to go for it with the Dekton one more time. As a backup plan, we still had the pure white Silestone that had been in our original plan before Dekton came on the scene, and Cosentino said they would send enough slabs of that material to Stone Masters when they sent the new Dekton so that if things went wrong again, they could immediately change gears and not lose any more time.<br />
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Cosentino had the new Dekton slabs (specifically from a different production batch, just in case) and the backup plan Silestone slabs to Stone Masters in record time. Stone Masters worked practically round the clock to remake the two counters that had cracked. We all watched the calendar and the weather. And then, a gift. A rare 60 degree day was going to hit Chicago. They set the shop temp for 65 degrees. We set the house temp to 65 degrees. We rented the lift again. The Cosentino team and the Stone Masters team all came over on install day, there were literally eight people here in addition to the install team. They loaded up the counters and brought them in. My blood pressure was through the roof, I could barely watch. But Stone Masters were cool as cucumbers. The counters were set into place. Leveled. An invisible seam connected the two. The sinks were mounted and faucets installed. The cooktops were set into place. We all sat and watched the artists at work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVon0_RsZcNsjj0g-YRCfcOxcombRzizWWyInqmzIZqL7-t_sxAX3ab2Oct4ehCbTWpQSOHpbttShwh9YonL3DipOd5jun8h1-P5FtvynGCXVHHtqOK8zEluJKdqmIXGsHlbNV34gUtug/s1600/Counter+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVon0_RsZcNsjj0g-YRCfcOxcombRzizWWyInqmzIZqL7-t_sxAX3ab2Oct4ehCbTWpQSOHpbttShwh9YonL3DipOd5jun8h1-P5FtvynGCXVHHtqOK8zEluJKdqmIXGsHlbNV34gUtug/s400/Counter+1.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep breath, here we go...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made the Cosentino people take these pics, I couldn't watch...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUSS8Y7ecQrDhTNSkNyWsHFhqYaMT6cahAXsFkm_Ib8WyRX9PsvxVgDuD6f28fQAgamQcDvbXBN2jG_0TtRnwnLCkVPAtvu-eQkoSbKpdxZQmv-uC0rE3lAJooQKHTidZXujNZjrqKiSs/s1600/counter+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUSS8Y7ecQrDhTNSkNyWsHFhqYaMT6cahAXsFkm_Ib8WyRX9PsvxVgDuD6f28fQAgamQcDvbXBN2jG_0TtRnwnLCkVPAtvu-eQkoSbKpdxZQmv-uC0rE3lAJooQKHTidZXujNZjrqKiSs/s400/counter+3.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you see that incredible matching of the veining on the edge? So talented.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ugh, my heart could not take this one.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is the L counter, perfect from day one.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All getting settled into place.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting to work on seams.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Induction cooktop and steamer in place safely!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sink mounted!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gas rangetop installed...can't wait to use this baby!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Island, just waiting for the butcher block.</td></tr>
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I had vodka in the freezer and Champagne in the fridge and the pizza place on speed dial, so we were set for either celebration or commiseration. <br />
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We popped the Champagne.<br />
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Today, I tell you that we could not be more delighted with our choice. Yes, it was a long and frustrating process, mostly because we felt so terrible for the men who had worked so hard to make us perfect counters only to have them become garbage and have to start all over. But everyone kept such good spirits about the whole thing. Cosentino got new product without issue, and Stone Masters just kept assuring us that it was important to have this opportunity to find out the best way to work with a new product, and that it was, in the long run, a very good thing for everyone involved to have this kind of project as sort of a little Dekton master class. They all made us feel special, like our kitchen was part of something bigger, and never once asked us to make design changes to make the fabrication less complicated or to immediately shift to the backup plan. They all wanted the challenge, and I know that everyone is really proud of how it turned out.<br />
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We've been slowly beginning to use the new kitchen, it is still not 100% complete, but it is complete enough to play, and I have to say, for all the stress, these counters are incredible. The matte finish is easy to clean, and is a dream for thing like kneading bread, practically no extra flour needed. We can take things out of the oven and put them right onto the counters with no worry of scorching, so the endless search for trivets is over. We have officially spilled red wine, coffee, and even dropped a cooked beet onto the surface, and not a stain to be seen. Apparently, once you actually have them in place and installed is when the whole indestructible thing kicks in. And the fact that they are freaking gorgeous doesn't exactly hurt my feelings.<br />
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As you can see, I am even more in love with both Cosentino and Stone Masters after this harrowing project. If you are doing anything involving countertops, these are your guys. <br />
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Do I still recommend Dekton as a material? Yes, absolutely, but with some caveats:<br />
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If you have super complicated counters, as we did, you might want to work with a different material. We stretched this stuff to its limits, and saw the consequences. We got very lucky, but it was literally 50/50 that the second install would go well. So while I would absolutely suggest it for simpler designs, the first easy three pieces that came in were solid as rocks from the get go, I would hesitate if you have a lot of cutouts, or inside corners to deal with. <br />
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I would not recommend it if you are on a very tight timeline, since obviously, stuff can happen, so if you have a calendar without any cushion in it? Might not be for you. We were lucky that we had enough other stuff happening in the house that it didn't hold us up too badly, our guys just shifted gears and focused elsewhere, and we still had a full kitchen functioning downstairs to use. But if you have scheduled a month for kitchen reno and are staying with your in-laws with your three kids while the kitchen is demolished? Perhaps Silestone will be a safer choice, just in case.<br />
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I would also say that I would especially recommend it if you are not doing beveled edging, but just letting the edge of the material be the edge. This is starting to be the trend in kitchen design, and I really like the look, the only reason we didn't shift to that after the first install was because the cabinets had been designed around the beveled edge, and there would have been no way to alter that.<br />
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If you are in the greater Chicagoland Area, I would not work with any fabricator other than Stone Masters, the guys who came from Spain said that they had never seen anyone else who could do with Dekton what our guys did, not anyone anywhere in the world. If you are not in Chicago, be sure of a few things with your fabricators...make sure they do all the underside laminations with Dekton, and not quartz or other products and make sure that you arrange installation when you can really control temperature variations. <br />
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Stay tuned, the kitchen and other spaces are really coming together over here, and there are going to be some finished pics in this space very soon!<br />
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Yours in Good Taste,<br />
The Polymath<br />
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<br />Stacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-67612364958446427872016-03-09T11:48:00.000-06:002016-04-05T11:49:30.721-05:00Counter Intuitive: Part 2<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">Chickens-</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">Damn its cold outside. Sorry, just needed to clarify that.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">But it's warm here inside the Chateau, and it is time to revisit countertops! Remember way back when, when we talked about </span><a href="http://blog.polymathchronicles.net/2015/05/dancing-on-countertops.html" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #00635d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">countertops</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">? And I extolled the virtues of </span><a href="http://northamerica.cosentinocenter.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #00635d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">Cosentino</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">materials and the extraordinary craftsmanship of </span><a href="http://stonemasters99.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #00635d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">Stone Masters?</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;"> Well we have now lived with the products and installation for nine months with nothing but joy and no problems, so of course when it came time to look at countertops for the second phase of the project, we wouldn't go anywhere else!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">The countertop project for the second phase breaks down like this:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">Kitchen: A U-shaped section that contains two cooktops, one drop-in appliance, and a sink. A small island. An L-shaped section that contains one sink.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">We needed this material to be more than just durable, we needed it to be indestructible. The kind of surface that is impossible to damage with heat or scratching or staining, but is also easy to maintain.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">Kitchen pantry: small shelves for spices, one shelving unit insert.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">The pantry has a nook where we will have 13 (yes, lucky number 13) little shelves where all the spices will live. It also is wall to wall wire metro-shelving, and we needed one shelf liner that could also serve as a little countertop if necessary. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">Kitchen Library:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">If you don't know about my kitchen library, you can check it out </span><a href="http://blog.polymathchronicles.net/2011/04/kitchen-library-tour.html" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #00635d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">. This is essentially moving upstairs almost wholesale, but with a couple additions. We are not bringing up the two antique cabinets, since they are gorgeous but we lose storage because they are short. So we are replacing them with two new metro shelving units, one of which will have a countertop insert where the microwave will live. We are also adding a buffet to this space, which needs a countertop as well.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">Bathrooms:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">There are actually two bathrooms in this phase, one on the second floor, off of the kitchen, one on the first floor through the library. They will be getting their own design posts soon, but in terms of stonework, the upstairs bathroom needed ledges and sills for the shower, and the downstairs bathroom needed those plus a vanity top. (we'll go into details there when I talk about bathroom design and install!)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">So we took what we knew about our design, grabbed our amazing </span><a href="https://www.poggenpohl.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #00635d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">Poggenpohl</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;"> cabinet designer Marcy, and headed for the Cosentino showroom. Now, you know us, we have some clear ideas and opinions about design, and always head into a project with a lot of research under our belts. And we had already chosen (we thought) a lovely quartz product that Cosentino carries for the kitchen countertop. The quartz we used in the basement in the media room and laundry room were functioning beautifully and looking amazing, and we had been very impressed with the product, so we were certain we would use that material again.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">Cosentino? Had other ideas. They had just released a brand new product that they were very excited to show us, because they knew that we were in the market for something that would look terrific, timeless, and also last forever. This is when we were introduced to </span><a href="http://www.dekton.com/usa/?gclid=CjwKEAiA2ve0BRDCgqDtmYXlyjkSJACEPmdwBMxnbeR3hL2xPqTjtHzjZltZYoqzLDtGCzXDF3ajWBoC-0Pw_wcB" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #00635d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">Dekton</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">. (can you hear angels singing? I can...)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">Dekton is the newest available countertop material, and it is a product made of a combination of quartz, porcelain, and glass, compressed under extreme pressure to make a surface that is damn near impossible to damage in normal usage. And I'm not just talking in countertops. You can use this stuff indoors AND outdoors, as flooring, wall covering, anywhere you could use tile or stone, you can use Dekton. You know how diamonds are the hardest material on earth, because they are created in high pressure? Same principal. You get the hardness and durability of quartz, intensified by the glass fusing the material, and the gorgeous look from the inclusion of the porcelain. It's truly amazing.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">The lovely folks at Cosentino were once again honest with us about why they thought this material was a good match. While they certainly agreed that quartz would work wonderfully well for us, the Dekton is just a slight step up in the durability factor, and they know that this is a kitchen that will be getting an enormous amount of use, so they thought we would want that extra layer of protection. It also came in a wonderful matte finish, and they knew I was concerned about the look of so much shiny countertop.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">They had heard me say I loved the look of white marble, but would never use it in a kitchen for myself because it is so difficult to maintain. We had been toying with the idea of white quartz, but had abandoned it because we felt it would be too stark and sterile looking at the scale of countertops we have in the space. Dekton has a couple of versions that have the look of white marble with lovely veining, so that we could achieve the look we preferred, but without the maintenance.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">Charming Suitor and I were tentatively sold, but we needed to see the slabs, because the whole "fake" marble veining thing can go sideways really quickly.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">But not at Cosentino. And not with Dekton.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">They took us into the slab room to check it out.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZ7AjBwsRxR2LfQRrKU2K43dIh7-Xc7Cu8MgAc_ZJxp5tW9LWaBa8A1N_1fO1ZUSqJo1H3D-3cC-fz0SWjpcXWLkqqzwXq8PAyjJwhSDWwurwgNw3_Ka27xflF6FtERBBe1l_qhzUSI6X/s1600/dekton+1.png" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #00635d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;"><img class="gr-hostedUserImg" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1453292995i/17807799.jpg" style="border: 0px; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; max-width: 613px;" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">Trust me, in person? Flawless. This is one with subtle brownish gray veining...</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bo0r56fQ1rIqUv_147w-riBpIkkuTB48jkEPnRuQPc8PNZL0lBH4oQm6tfS6SC3J37NqNecQu0sKEBhFdmKv5DvRTHEnukvYtGeIIepdSmJKjsFaCHQfUTgfJXoKWZArLbztt4ywGJuv/s1600/dekton+3.png" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #00635d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;"> <img class="gr-hostedUserImg" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1453292995i/17807800.jpg" style="border: 0px; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; max-width: 613px;" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">This is more veined, and slightly more gold toned to the veining.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wb-QfS5MFlB5JG38rlY0YoVYaQcmZITi7_014xGBHdmtfk0YQMA_wEafdkuPbHnhHqW6CQ7MKfr9yTA9QnWd_RmeG-YLGj6o3UC2-6VAi_GyBZdeK7uoZWHFI6-D3Vh8NWT0KaT-CaHb/s1600/dekton+2.png" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #00635d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;"> <img class="gr-hostedUserImg" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1453292995i/17807801.jpg" style="border: 0px; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; max-width: 613px;" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">And this is the more dramatic gray veining.And these were just our options in the white marble family! They had a dozen different marble looks, solid colors, some that looked like wood. There was the classic matte finish, which felt lovely to the touch and was just what CS and I had envisioned. (yes, we fondled the slabs with abandon, and no, we are not ashamed.) But they could also do amazing high gloss for people who like that look. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">For the kitchen we decided on Kairos, the most subtly veined of the three. Marcy had brought a sample of our cabinet material with her, and the brown-gray veining in the Kairos was a terrific match to the color of the lava teak. She recommended a mitered edge of five centimeters, so the counters would essentially look like a two-inch thick slab of marble. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">It came as no surprise to discover that our friends at Stone Masters are the single top fabrication house for Dekton, not just in the greater Chicagoland area, but pretty much in the whole country! Because the one thing about this stuff? It is complicated to fabricate. The very reasons it is so indestructible make it a really hard material to work with, especially for fine edges and complex patterns. Tom at StoneMasters spent months developing his proprietary methods for working with this stuff, till he found the perfect way to make the material really sing. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">We had been concerned, because there are a lot of difficult things the countertops needed to do, in addition to more cutouts than for a usual kitchen, and long expanses, we were also requesting that the countertop extend into both windows and become a seamless windowsill behind the main sink. So there weren't a lot of just straight lines to cut! We wanted as few seams as possible, which is another reason Dekton was great for us, because the slabs are oversized, 56" wide and 126" long! That is over ten feet before you need a seam. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">Tom and Robert at Stone Masters assured us that they could do the kitchen in Dekton no problem, not that we had any doubt, and we were so excited to be working with them again.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">Then it came time to talk about the little bits for the pantry and the kitchen library. Again, CS and I thought we would just do more of the Dekton, to keep everything cohesive, but the Cosentino team had another thought. They knew we were doing the BlueStar ovens in deep orange to have that pop of color in the kitchen. Then they took us over to see another slab.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">And it was orange.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">Not just any orange, the EXACT ORANGE OF THE OVENS. Not kidding:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BBoFSUFSXNzXxDW8K2Fn-WLDU9VO_zWkWGSnZzTfLhTZ1i9XEjdvuAFGfUPEVfDBS3A0k6NjPxMxCJogRLUp3lLWgC1-h-7mhNBVtnRqVOWObfCAKxfnlLTEX_ji5sTQL-ll91C5WJKA/s1600/Orange.JPG" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #00635d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;"><img class="gr-hostedUserImg" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1453292995i/17807802.jpg" style="border: 0px; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; max-width: 613px;" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">Color sample for ovens on the left, orange Silestone Quartz on the right. I mean, right????We couldn't believe what a perfect color match it was, especially since orange is notoriously hard to match under the best circumstances. Since the Cosentino designers knew that the pantry and kitchen library were both being painted a deep brownish gray, with just steel and wood, the orange wouldn't be too much, and it would nod to the ovens in a cool way.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">We were sold. Dekton Kairos for the kitchen counters and Silestone Orange for the pantry and kitchen library bits and pieces.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">We also went with Silestone for the two bathrooms, more on that next week when we chat bathroom design.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">Your takeaways for countertops? The usual Stacey Commandment about knowing both how you plan to use a product and what your budget is...but also, I cannot stress enough how much easier your life will be if you spend some time researching the best showrooms and fabricators in your area. Once you trust the people on your team, you can have confidence in their guidance. We knew from our first experience with both Costentino and Stone Masters that when they all said that Dekton would be a great fit for us and how we planned to use the kitchen, we knew we could absolutely count on that being a great decision. And with Marcy there to help us keep a keen eye on the design elements, we also knew that all the products would work beautifully together from an aesthetic perspective.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">Stay tuned, because believe it or not, there is still one appliance to discuss, and those gorgeous countertops are getting installed very soon! </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">Yours in Good Taste,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 17.3333px;">The Polymath</span>Stacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073090117694936561.post-28537800611453598612016-02-23T15:03:00.002-06:002016-02-23T15:06:50.912-06:00The Cherry on Top!Chickens-<br />
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Welcome to the FINAL appliance reveal for the new kitchen! I know, I know, you are all thinking...they have put every appliance known to MAN in that kitchen, what could be left?<br />
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And I'm here to say that 1) no, shockingly we did avoid some of the appliance options available to us, including a built in deep fryer, indoor grill, and teppanyaki griddle, to name but a few. And B) the one thing left was the one thing your Polymath wanted like it was her job.<br />
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I won't bang the travel gong too much more, but I will say that one of our favorite things about visiting other places is visiting markets. Open air markets, enclosed marketplaces, watching the locals buy ingredients, haggle over prices, kibitz and joke and share the news of the day with the vendors is always a treat for us. Exploring the delicacies, usually wishing we had access to a kitchen, and always picking up some of the prepared foods to eat on the go.<br />
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And pretty much everywhere we go? We are instinctively drawn to the rotisseries. Usually large versions on trucks, laden with chickens, rolled sausages, pork roasts. The good ones? Have small new potatoes cooking in the meat drippings in a trough on the bottom. You order your protein of choice and you get a hefty portion of the crispy fatty potatoes with your selection on top. All you need is a stack of napkins, your handy pocketknife slash wine opener, and a park bench and you will feast like a king. <br />
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There is something about meat on a spit that just hits us where we live in a primal way. And while we love pretty much any hunk of animal that has been spinning in its own juices for a period of time, the thing we dream of?<br />
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Chicken.<br />
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Yep, the perfect roasted bird is like our holy grail. A good one is great, and a great one is transcendent. Even a mediocre one from the grocery store still makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Sure, an oven does a fine roasting job, but roasted chicken is different than rotisserie chicken. Rotisserie chicken gets a skin that is both extra crisp and slightly sticky, naturally glazed in its own juices. The meat is beyond moist, the seasoning manages to make it all the way through even without brining or marinating. The fat renders out (making those amazing potatoes) but keeps the chicken constantly basted, so even the breast meat is succulent and perfect, and won't even dry out on a quick reheat for lunch the next day. It is better cold than some chickens are hot. We have at least one a week.<br />
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Since we both love it so much, and it actually is healthy for us, we have the rotisserie attachment for the Weber grill for outdoor cookery, and Charming Suitor supported my acquisition of not one, but TWO ancient Roto-Broil 400 machines from the mid 1950s for inside jobs. If you really want to know why in a meaningful way, read <a href="http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/01/bringing-back-the-roto-broil/?_r=0">THIS ARTICLE</a> by Mark Bittman. The short of it is, these machines quite simply make amazing rotisserie chicken. And provided you don't get third degree burns from how hot the outside of the unit gets (likely why they were discontinued), you can get some terrific meals out of them.<br />
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But there is a small problem with the Roto-Broils. Chickens were different in the 1950s, smaller. So while these things will rotisserie the heck out of one small 2-3 lb chicken, or two cornish hens, you cannot fit two chickens in it, nor a larger roaster. So perfect for just me and CS, but not so great for dinner parties. And while you can par cook potatoes and put them under the chicken, they just sort of get greasy, and not crispy, because the heat element is on the top.<br />
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When we did our original list of the must haves, nice to haves, and splurges for the kitchen, the last thing I put on the bottom of the list? A La Cornue Flamberge Rotisserie. I know I don't have to explain <a href="http://www.lacornueusa.com/">La Cornue</a> to any of you, the brand has been the dream of cooks for over 100 years. If we had an unlimited budget, we'd have gotten one of their amazing stoves, however, they cost more than a fully loaded BMW, although the mileage is much better. But they make the only home rotisserie on the market, and boy are they amazing. These built-in units are the size of a small oven, and are gas controlled. A wall of wicks on the back of the unit flames to life, and the generous capacity can accommodate up to four chickens at once! It can also do a leg of lamb, or a porchetta roast or a turkey or prime rib or several fish...it is glorious.<br />
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Are you starting to feel me? Think about a whole pork belly, cooking low and slow all day to juicy perfection. Or even a couple of whole pineapples, getting caramelized on the outside, to be sliced and served with thick vanilla Greek yogurt and some toasted almonds for a healthy but still decadent feeling dessert?<br />
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Yeah. From the moment I saw this baby it was deep down in my heart in a serious way.<br />
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This is when it is a really nice thing to turn 45 in the middle of a kitchen renovation, because when your amazing hubby asks you if you would like to add in the rotisserie as your birthday present? You say yes really fast!<br />
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I cannot tell you how excited we are to start using this baby! From a design perspective, we are giving it it's own tower of glory, next to one of the ovens, clad in the same Dekton material as the countertops. Many of the installations we saw while researching, showed a slide-in butcher block of some sort below the unit.<br />
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We loved the potential functionality of a setup like this, and especially loved that it would give us a use for the vintage butcher block we have in our current kitchen. The rotisserie tower will have a nook like the one above, and we are adding casters and a handle to our butcher block, and it will slide in and out of the way, but be right there when it is time for carving!<br />
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Some things to note if you are thinking about one of these for yourself:<br />
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They will tell you that they take 14 weeks to build, since they are all custom. And by 14 weeks they mean 26 weeks because, you know, France, and also, math is hard.<br />
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They put out some serious heat, since there are no doors on the front of the unit, so you need a 5 foot clearance in front of it with nothing flammable. I would say definitively that if you have small children? Wait till they leave for college before installing, there are no child locks on the controls, and when you turn it on you create a wall of open flame that could spell disaster without adult supervision. You will also want to be sure there is plenty of good ventilation in the room, or you will need an extra venting system. Ours is in a location that is pretty open, and is right next to the door to the back porch, and on the same wall as our massive powerful hood, so we didn't need to do special venting for it, but you will want to err on the side of caution.<br />
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Stay tuned for some upcoming installation posts on all of the appliances, things are really heating up, pun intended, and we may be getting close to some glamor shots in the next couple of weeks!<br />
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What would be the one thing that would be your fantasy splurge item in your dream kitchen?<br />
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Yours in Good Taste,<br />
The Polymath<br />
<br />Stacey Ballishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781408142511046491noreply@blogger.com4