Tart success...

I finally tackled a recipe from the beautiful archives of Katie Quinn Davies. I made a lovely tart {or two}. Hand-picked apples with a touch of apricot jam and a delicate dusting of sugar.

The delicious glimpse of baking bounty above is none other than Ms. Davies herself.

Scales and mold...

Saffron-tinted scales with a side of delicate, vibrant mold.  And somehow it looks delicious.

This is a glimpse from Sanna Lindberg's lens.

Tints & tangents...

I just can't get it out of my head; the intangible ambiguity of inspiration.  The encouraging notion of creativity in the most unlikely of circumstances.  My hands were marinating in vivid liquid, my senses were offended by the bitter aroma of vinegar, empty mason jars were begging to be filled, and I was suddenly swimming in inspiration.  While my beets were pickling, the brilliance of dramatic colors and invigorating pigments left me craving more color – especially when the sky turned unexpectedly grey and dim on a summer afternoon.

Katie Quinn Davies {of What Katie Ate} always satisfies my delight for delicious color {her beet adventures are significantly more photogenic than mine}.  This collection of images is like a fresh summer day radiating across the senses.

{After a lengthy pause for fresh air and fresh ventures, I am crawling back to elle oh demanding a creative outlet.  And, apparently, I came back with an excess of words to share.}

Delicious and delectable...

It's my favorite time of year. Vivid hues of farmers' markets, crisp summer mornings, warm afternoon rays of sunshine, and delicious views of delectable cuisine.   

This visual delight is from Katie Quinn Davies {of What Katie Ate}.  Pomegranate and honey pulled pork with a side of courgette, garden pea, and stilton soup has never looked so good.

Infuse, then imbibe...

Infuse, then imbibe.  This is my {brand new shiny} mantra.  My dabble in infused vodka seems to have peaked a few curious imbibers, so I thought I would share a recipe or two {or three}.

First, from Sweet Paul {I lovingly refer to him as Mr.Martha}:

Fig & Vanilla Infused Vodka
1 liter bottle
1 liter vodka
1/2 pound dried figs
1/2 vanilla bean {cut in half lengthwise}

Combine all ingredients in the bottle {I use this beautiful little bottle available here}.  Let stand one week.  Discard figs and vanilla beans.  Serve on the rocks in a tumbler with 1/2 fresh fig as a garnish.  I also did a modified version with pomegranates and cranberries {instead of figs}.

I spotted my second vodka adventure here, Coffee Vanilla Bean Liqueur {from Molly Watson at The Dinner Files}. Time will tell if I have the patience to wait four to six weeks for this delicious and dark liqueur to brew.

The third vodka adventure was truly an adventure.  I threw six candy canes into a pint of vodka {the plan is to serve it with homemade hot chocolate}.  It's still brewing...but it's already delicious.

Merry infusing.  Merry imbibing.

Grateful...

Wishing you a gorgeous Thanksgiving full of gratefulness - may you be surrounded by delectable dishes and delicious souls.

{More perfect vegetables from the lens of Katie Quinn Davies.  Yes, I have a crush on her.}

Sultry and savory...

The subtle smell of sweet pumpkin is floating in the air.  Here's a flirtatious amuse bouche to tease your senses on the eve of the most gracious day of the year.

I have recently rediscovered the savory texture of beets hiding under saturated color and sultry curves.  Katie Quinn Davies has perfectly captured their charisma.  Wander over to one of the most beautiful places and feast on the gorgeous styling and delicious recipes of What Katie Ate.  Mmmm...

Arithmetic...

Spam minus preservatives plus cotton equals tea towel perfection {click here for more of my whimsical tea towel obsession}.

Hawaii, I miss you.  I miss spam musubi, tonkatsu, bento, plate lunch, shave ice, and blueberry beer, too. 

Something old, something new...

Brace yourself for a gorgeous dose of a little something new.  Today I am {hesitantly} stepping into the kitchen - at least metaphorically.  Lately I have been lusting after beautifully styled edible delights, like this delicious cake.  Just to be clear, I won't actually be baking this, just salivating over lovely photo shoots.  When it comes to make food gleam, this foodie photography blog is bliss.

Something old {industrial, rustic beauty} and something new {baked beauty}...

{Oh, Design*Sponge, how you make me drool.}