tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80824738323212851072011-12-02T11:19:49.977-05:00illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.comBlogger1301100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-60272635228341301932011-12-02T11:15:00.001-05:002011-12-02T11:19:32.560-05:00

The Charm City Craft Mafia's 5th Annual Holiday Heap Craft Show will take place Saturday, December 3rd at St. John's Church (2640 St. Paul Street) from 10am-5pm. This year's fair will have 65 of the best local and national crafters, as well as a yarn-spinning demonstration by Three Ravens. This year the Charm City Craft Mafia's raffle will support Arts Every Day, a Baltimore non-profit whose

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-63453512612287499032011-09-01T17:04:00.003-04:002011-09-01T17:04:37.636-04:00

I don't think you can live within a 60-mile radius of Baltimore and not know about the huge deal that is coming to our city this weekend: The Inaugural 2011 Baltimore Grand Prix. And while I see on the website that many of the hospitality packages are sold out, I'm pretty sure the majority of us know about the race not because we're huge racing fans but because we can't get from Point A to Point

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-56273408852974598772011-06-22T22:31:00.000-04:002011-06-22T22:31:15.582-04:00

I know summer is on it's way usually in June because of two things: 1. Cucumbers are almost ready to be harvested for cucumber margaritas, cucumber salad and cucumber soup; and  2. A giant "pile of craft" is staring at me from the living room. Be sure to come visit the illegible ink family this Saturday, June 25th from 10am-5pm at St. John's Church (2640 St. Paul Street). There's sure to be a new

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-32641430847396457922011-04-30T22:06:00.000-04:002011-04-30T22:06:46.893-04:00

So, we were standing in the kitchen this afternoon, looking at the raisins and reminiscing about all of our favorite raisin memories (and recipes). Who can forget the California Raisins singing "I heard it through the grapevine?" Actually, this brought up a sour note to our evening as Mr. ink peered in the box and said, "Oh the poor raisins never made it into wine. They were shriveled on the vine

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-40068415747206895592011-04-29T21:20:00.000-04:002011-04-29T21:20:00.606-04:00

Tonight we learned all about "scampi." (And basically found out we didn't really know a lot about it at all!) The term "scampi" actually refers to specific type of lobster - nephrops norvegicus (commonly known as langoustines or Norway lobsters). If I had known this beforehand, we might have had a very different dinner! We found several recipes online for scampi: a traditional Italian scampi is

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-44451980320311638662011-04-28T22:26:00.000-04:002011-04-28T22:26:19.379-04:00

Kuplink, kuplank, kuplunk go the blueberries into the pail of a little girl named Sal who just can't seem to pick as fast as she eats.* The Robert McCloskey classic, Blueberries for Sal, is what I always think about when eating Grandma ink's blueberry pie. (To Fox's giggly delight, Grandma ink is from a long line of master pie makers.) *According to Grandma and Grandpa ink, yours truly was

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-37194472435175917362011-04-27T21:45:00.000-04:002011-04-27T21:45:47.662-04:00

Mr. ink and I have decided there are seven wonders of the meat world, and clearly this prime rib I made is one of them. To create this perfection, I decided the meat should speak for itself. Simplicity with just salt and pepper; no fancy rubs or marinades needed. In a saute pan, unsalted butter bubbled around diced onions and crimini mushrooms. Then I added the beef juices and some extra stock to

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-18232307252855288202011-04-26T21:11:00.000-04:002011-04-26T21:11:31.985-04:00

Mmm... baked, salty dough with signature knot. Just add mustard! In 2003, Governor Ed Rendell declared April 26th National Pretzel Day to acknowledge the importance of the pretzel in Pennsylvania's history and economy. The PA pretzel timeline started in 1861, when the Sturgis Pretzel House in Lititz became the first commercial pretzel bakery in the United States. Then the Reading Pretzel

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-74219301153662863992011-04-25T23:22:00.000-04:002011-04-25T23:22:40.511-04:00

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, I was an environmental education intern at The Holcomb Farm. This 367-acre property is the home of a thriving CSA and youth education program. One summer, I worked in the Education Learning Center on 11 different programs for children between grades K-6. The salmon hatchery program was always sold out but still my favorite by far was one week called "

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-62063112512951406682011-04-24T20:36:00.000-04:002011-04-24T20:36:00.218-04:00

Hip Hip Hooray! It's National Pigs in a Blanket Day! While in the U.S., pigs in a blanket refers to little sausages wrapped in dough, I learned tonight that in the U.K., they wrap the sausages with bacon. Good thing we have extra little sausages as I see us celebrating this holiday again... and soon! Pigs in a Blanket are always better with a martini with bleu cheese-stuffed olives.

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-88222646157580164242011-04-23T21:35:00.000-04:002011-04-23T21:35:23.985-04:00

 Thank goodness I didn't have to wait until July 30th for National Cheesecake Day! Did you know that cheesecake the earliest attested mention of a cheesecake is by the Greek physician Aegimus, who was writing a book on the art of making cheesecakes? When thinking about the cheese in cheesecake, it was 1872 when William Lawrence from Chester, NY, along with other dairymen, came up with a way

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-74227544364761803162011-04-22T21:34:00.000-04:002011-04-22T21:34:49.906-04:00

The next time you walk down the candy aisle, count the number of flavors in your jelly bean assortments. Most of them use eight different flavors and they are usually all fruit-flavored. (Of course, if you buy your jelly beans at Costco, you'll get 49 flavors of Jelly Belly.) We might be sick tonight if we keep trying all 49 Jelly Belly flavors! Daring enough (and have enough spare time) to try

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-71269454061668973772011-04-21T21:38:00.000-04:002011-04-21T21:38:41.326-04:00

A chocolate truffle is a type of chocolate confectionery, traditionally made with chocolate ganache and then coated with a cocoa powder. These chocolate truffles not only covered with cashews but inside there are chocolate chip cookies. Don't you wish you were here?

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-57725673150947644462011-04-20T22:18:00.000-04:002011-04-20T22:18:17.439-04:00

Today is the day to start showing respect for lima beans! (Yes, these beans were named for Lima, Peru, where they have been grown since 6000 B.C.) I mean, really, what have they ever done to you? According to Mr. ink, they've made him gag but I think he just hasn't tasted the right lima bean recipe yet. That's why tonight we decided to make a lima bean casserole with onions, mushrooms, sausage

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-86233146046614735892011-04-19T23:26:00.000-04:002011-04-19T23:26:14.833-04:00

A special shout out to the town of Gilroy, CA - the self-proclaimed Garlic Capital of the World - located on Highway 101 (about 45 minutes south of San Jose). I'm sure all the residents are still out celebrating at the Gilroy Garlic Festival. Perhaps someday the illegible ink family will get there and sample the famed garlic ice cream! Here is the simple roasted garlic recipe Mr. ink worked

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-88828878703359492602011-04-18T21:42:00.000-04:002011-04-18T21:42:29.886-04:00

Sing with me, "Animal Crackers in my soup. Monkeys and rabbits loop the loop." Animal Cracker Ice Cream sandwiches are a roar-erriffic twist! Everyone recognizes little Shirley Temple's voice singing, "Animal Crackers" - just like we also recognize Nabisco's "Barnum's Animal Crackers." But did you know that animal-shaped biscuit cookies were first produced in the United States by Stauffer’s

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-65680519533970596012011-04-17T21:51:00.000-04:002011-04-17T21:51:33.735-04:00

What exactly is a cheeseball? And better yet, how did this food come to have an entire day devoted to celebrating it? Well, after much googling, a cheeseball is considered to be "a spherical mass of cheese or cream cheese, often including nuts or other additions and served as an hors d'oeuvre or finger food, usually with bread or crackers." This is not to be confused with a cheese puff or poof

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-70105893796193236032011-04-16T21:51:00.000-04:002011-04-16T21:51:02.143-04:00

I think it is fair to say Mr. ink and I are quite passionate about Eggs Benedict and all of it's magnificent variations (Eggs Blackstone, Eggs Florentine and Eggs Montreal). Once at brunch, after we had each ordered Eggs Benedict, the server sheepishly came back to tell us they were out of hollandaise sauce and we would need to choose something else off the menu. Dumbfounded, we paid for our

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-85819895618188639522011-04-15T22:19:00.000-04:002011-04-15T22:19:53.109-04:00

Mr. ink and I agreed tonight that it was only appropriate to read Green Eggs and Ham while making our honey-glazed, spiral cut ham and cheese omelet. I mean, really. We're in a house. We have a mouse (although Wyatt should really get around to catching it). We would eat them in a box. And of course, we're eating them with a Fox. I do so like honey-glazed spiral ham! Thank you! Thank you!

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-1409931892829667242011-04-14T23:37:00.000-04:002011-04-14T23:37:30.783-04:00

It's April 14th and just like with my taxes, I'm cutting it close with my ode to National Pecan Day deadline. In case you don't want the labor in the kitchen as much, I also have a a great pecan bar recipe for you to try! Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup sugar 3/4 cup margarine or softened butter 1/2 tsp salt Pecan filling (ingredients below) Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-78297483732033176202011-04-13T22:10:00.000-04:002011-04-13T22:10:24.045-04:00

Okay, so we've decided it is a disservice to National Peach Cobbler Day to be in April... when millions of fresh, juicy peaches are not in season. But regardless, we are eating cobbler tonight! Just out of the oven. Perfect "winter" pick-me-up with the addition of vanilla ice cream! We tried Betty Crocker's peach cobbler recipe this evening but we've decided when we can get peaches at the

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-60698587896769404482011-04-12T20:20:00.000-04:002011-04-12T20:20:08.348-04:00

The illegible ink home is living the "cheese dream" tonight. Actually, "the cheese dream" is the description of an open-faced version of a grilled cheese sandwich (consisting of bread, butter and cheese) that became popular during the Great Depression because the ingredients were easily available. Grilled Cheese & Company's BCT, Sweetest Thing and Blue Ox. Mr. ink and I were looking through

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-72874177682189592312011-04-11T22:04:00.000-04:002011-04-11T22:04:42.985-04:00

It's all fun with cheese fondue tonight at the illegible ink home! We've got 2 kinds of bread for dipping (my favorite was the cubed rosemary boule), marinated chicken and steak, red and orange bell peppers and a little Basmati rice. The word fondue is from the French verb fondre ('to melt'). Fondue is a Swiss and French dish of melted cheese served in a communal dish called a caquelon. Long

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-47136347320377880772011-04-10T22:44:00.000-04:002011-04-10T22:44:20.612-04:00

The Pillsbury Dough Boy must have been giggling all day today! It's his perfect Sunday Fun Day with brunches everywhere celebrating National Cinnamon Crescent Day. Our spin on this breakfast favorite were giant cinnamon buns. (By the way, you really haven't lived until you've eaten the monster of a cinnamon roll at the Blue Moon Cafe in Fells Point.) While we opted to make our crescents into

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-50140608174487219372011-04-09T21:33:00.000-04:002011-04-09T21:33:58.747-04:00

I must confess this is the one food holiday in April that I wasn't exactly looking forward to - which is ironic considering my love for all cookies. But I am allergic to almonds. In fact, when I did try one of these cookies this evening (not eating the almond sliver decoration), I started to feel my tongue immediately swell a little. Good thing my in-laws (a doctor and nurse) are in town so they

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-10944088915125886482011-04-08T21:47:00.000-04:002011-04-08T21:47:40.730-04:00

The word empanada comes from the verb empanar, meaning "to wrap or coat in bread." Empanadas are a stuffed bread or pastry that is made by folding the dough or bread around the stuffing. They are then baked or fried. As the illegible ink family found out tonight, the stuffings can consist of a variety of meats, vegetables and sometimes even fruits and nuts. So, yesterday we were researching

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-72541930518270010862011-04-07T21:26:00.000-04:002011-04-07T21:26:33.108-04:00

I couldn't help but think today of one of my favorite Seinfeld episodes where Jerry tries to buy Newman's silence with an extra Drake's Coffee Cake. While trying to find fun facts about coffee cake, I realized it is one of those foods that doesn't have to be what it sounds like. Coffee cakes could be a cake (typically sponge cake) that is made with coffee or coffee flavoring but they are more

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-76921446936244588972011-04-06T20:15:00.000-04:002011-04-06T20:15:35.897-04:00

The Rueckheim brothers, Frederick and Louis, first mass-produced the favorite caramel coated popcorn and peanut treats to sell at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. Since then it has become a favorite item at baseball games thanks to the 1908 song, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." The illegible ink home is enjoying our Crack Jacks tonight while root, root root[ing] for the home team. It's still

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-40152594621217905682011-04-05T21:05:00.000-04:002011-04-05T21:05:47.902-04:00

Making your own caramel is so much easier than I had anticipated. The basic ingredients you need are granulated sugar and butter (you can also use heavy whipping cream if making a sauce). Then you'll just need a sauce pan, wax paper and patience because (a) you don't want to burn the caramel sauce and (b) the ice cream really isn't going anywhere and you wouldn't want to overdo it, right? Check

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-60642976353626901072011-04-04T22:19:00.000-04:002011-04-04T22:19:15.630-04:00

Mr. ink deserves a "blue ribbon" for tonight's Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe!  What is not to love? Chicken breasts wrapped with prosciutto, dredged in breadcrumbs and then fried. The final touch - melted cheese - glorious cheese. This is one recipe we are clearly going to add to our "save" file.

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-20591148413723775812011-04-03T21:51:00.000-04:002011-04-03T21:51:03.096-04:00

It's no secret that "mouse" is a French word translating to "lather" or "foam." And by word association, it brings to mind the 1984 Val Kilmer classic, Top Secret (too early to call it a classic?): Du Quois/Harry Ditson: This is Chevalier, Montage, Detente, Avant Garde, and Deja Vu. Deja Vu/Jim Carter: Haven't we met before? Nick Rivers/Val Kilmer: I don't think so. Du Quois/Harry Ditson:

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-53662050068902854262011-04-02T22:53:00.000-04:002011-04-02T22:53:42.272-04:00

In 1880, a St. Louis physician, Dr. Ambrose W. Straub crushed peanutes into a paste for his geriatric patients with bad teeth. At the 1893 Chicago World's Fair it gained exposure and popularity. In 1903, Straub received a patent for a "mill grinding peanuts for butter." That same year, Bayle Food Products of St. Louis purchased the commercial rights to the physician's peanut spread and then went

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-36484993084580590752011-04-01T22:35:00.000-04:002011-04-01T22:35:30.147-04:00

April showers got you down? No need to be a sourpuss! It's National Sourdough Bread Day! Sourdough French Toast with Strawberries, Honeydew and Sausage A little bit of history for you to chew on while you enjoy your bread: While historians believe sourdough likely originated in ancient Egypt around 1500 BC, it became popular in Northern California during the California Gold Rush. The bread

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-32909588167248083472011-04-01T13:39:00.000-04:002011-04-01T13:39:10.136-04:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about last April's "Thirty Days of Grilled Cheese Challenge" - a fun way to enjoy grilled cheese and experiment with new recipes. And since Team Blais won and I can actually allow myself to be a Top Chef believer again, I'm thinking I need a Top Chef inspired challenge for April 2011. (This is also prompted by the fact that National Grilled Cheese Month basically

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-15988602802572314562011-03-01T20:57:00.000-05:002011-03-01T20:57:29.286-05:00

How much does your noodle know about noodles? A noodle is a thin and elongated shaped food made from unleavened dough typically boiled in water or fried in oil. The word noodle derives from Latin "Nodus" (knot), via German "Nudel" (noodle, pasta). The oldest known noodles are from Central Asia (in what is now China). Noodles can be made from numerous types of flours: acorn, buckwheat, corn, mung

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-12100540032374904982010-12-16T16:37:00.000-05:002010-12-16T16:37:14.043-05:00

I saw all the posts on Facebook this morning saying how friends were worried about driving, wondering if school would close early or if there would be enough bread and milk in the grocery stores. Hmm... what is this all about? From my window, there wasn't a flake in the sky. (Mr. ink dreamed aloud that perhaps zombies were finally mobilizing.) Chuckling, I checked the weather report and saw that

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-3270626432190869162010-11-18T11:38:00.000-05:002010-11-18T11:38:08.424-05:00

HOLIDAY HEAPDecember 4 from 10am-5pmSt. John's Church2640 Saint Paul Street, Baltimore, MD Shop handmade and have fun while doing so at the Charm City Craft Mafia's 4th Annual DIY indie arts and craft show. There are over 45 super talented, crafty vendors showing off apparel, jewelry, accessories, ceramics, paper goods and so much more. The illegible ink family will be on hand to unveil a whole

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-52704490071179840962010-11-11T16:14:00.000-05:002010-11-11T16:14:54.968-05:00

The Four Freedoms or Four Essential Human Freedoms is a series of 1943 oil paintings by one my favorite American artists, Norman Rockwell. The Four Freedoms theme was derived from the U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt's 1941 State of the Union Address. During the speech he identified four essential human rights (Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom From Want and Freedom From Fear)

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-24208180139509177142010-11-10T13:08:00.000-05:002010-11-10T13:08:51.922-05:00

When I realized it has been 30 years since Strawberry Shortcake made her debut, I couldn't help thinking about the small plastic dolls I had when I was younger: Strawberry Shortcake, Lemon Meringue, Blueberry Muffin, Orange Blossom, Lime Chiffon and Apple Dumplin. (Wow, I wonder why I am suddenly hungry for desserts and a cup of tea?) So, cheers to Strawberry Shortcake and her pink cat, Custard!

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-35750562731125082842010-10-25T11:43:00.000-04:002010-10-25T11:43:04.338-04:00

Maryland Lawyers for the Arts (MLA) is offering a new series of workshops for artists this fall. And this FREE "Accounting for Artists" class definitely caught my eye! The class will take place at School 33, 1427 Light St., Baltimore 21230, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. CPA Erick Lee of Hertzbach & Co. covers basic accounting for artists, including recordkeeping, spreadsheets, accounting software, and

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-72843906876039478622010-10-20T10:36:00.000-04:002010-10-20T10:36:51.717-04:00

 Here's your chance Charm City! You can now nominate and vote for your favorite local blogs and social media personalities through November 12th. Click here to get started! To be eligible, the blog or social media account must be written by a Marylander or by someone who focuses on our great state. It must have been updated in the past month. Nominations are unlimited! However, choose

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-39379231485326926932010-10-19T18:05:00.000-04:002010-10-19T18:05:21.595-04:00

Bean is hungry for dinner. Watch out metropolis. It's almost Halloween or "Howl-ween" (as we like to call it in the illegible ink household) and we're feverishly working away at our costumes. I don't want to ruin the surprise but while we won't be channeling little Beanzilla here, you should definitely check out Beantown Handmade's Etsy site for more "apparel for dogs - not people clothes for

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-824261206263006172010-10-14T11:08:00.000-04:002010-10-14T11:08:33.425-04:00

I still have to carve my pumpkin but that doesn't mean I can't start thinking about the upcoming holiday shows. Actually, I've already applied to two in the first week of December but now it's time to make the decision about the second week. Will Baby Boy Beachler arrive early? Can I brave a car ride to Richmond if I'm one of the lucky ones accepted to the Richmond Craft Mafia's Handmade Holiday

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-890164187311522282010-10-12T14:28:00.000-04:002010-10-12T14:28:34.462-04:00

Sunday FUNday is usually all about football but this Sunday somewhere between the hours of 3pm-7pm, I plan on taking a break from the flat screen to check out Baltimore Print Studios! Baltimore Print Studios (BPS) is hosting their grand opening at 18 W. North Avenue (between Maryland Avenue and Charles Street). They will be doing hands-on letterpress and screenprinting demos in addition to

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-23851536775409231402010-10-06T10:00:00.005-04:002010-10-07T16:31:38.832-04:00

On a whim I decided to google "last chance," and wow, what a mistake that was. The first two pages list how it's the last chance for meaningful relationships, having children, adopting fuzzy little pets, saving your soul and of course, a slew of pitifully lonesome songs... Apply NOW for the Charm City Craft Mafia's Holiday Heap 2010! This year's awesome INDOOR indie craft show will be held

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-55787170497112973552010-10-01T10:20:00.004-04:002010-10-01T10:21:54.381-04:00

I don't know why I seem to be cursed but it happens every year. For some reason I'm always out of town the weekend of DC's Crafty Bastards Arts & Craft Fair (Drool!). Unfortunately, it means I'm going to miss some of favorite crafter buds: beth pohlman jewelry: My go-to, "work function," geometric necklace. Enough said. Biggs & Featherbelle: Just opened their Tequila Bar Lime & Salt soap this

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-89669946152158061242010-06-18T09:58:00.000-04:002010-06-18T09:58:01.220-04:00

This has been an unusually hectic week for the illegible ink family with oppressive heat, thunderstorms, day jobs, two upcoming craft shows on the same day, carving new plates and a sprinkle of family barbecues. Wait a minute. That sounds like a pretty normal week... Either way, we are really excited to kick back tonight as members of the Baltimore Etsy Street Team and Charm City Craft Mafia

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-73823709106579374662010-05-07T11:09:00.000-04:002010-05-07T11:09:18.944-04:00

Well, I hope we literally don't have to swim to Fells Point tomorrow morning but the forecast does call for some early morning thunderstorms (that I would normally say are quite romantic if I weren't peddling my prints) and a wee bit o' wind. I'm not made of sugar, though, so why don't you join illegible ink and 50 other local and regional crafters at Squidfire's 10th Art Mart from 11am-6pm in

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-56395603802346599122010-05-03T19:01:00.000-04:002010-05-03T19:01:41.415-04:00

When I saw the headlines this morning that Mario Batali was going meatless, the foodie in me was immediately intrigued. I mean, this culinary giant was once photographed with sausages draped around his neck like a chic scarf and his father owns a world-renowned meat-curing shop in Seattle! Had he decided to put the veal chop down for good? Well, not exactly, but Mario Batali is the latest

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-60587433688645305132010-04-30T14:51:00.000-04:002010-04-30T14:51:24.038-04:00

It's hard to believe that today, the Thirty Days of Grilled Cheese Challenge has come to an end. And what might be even harder to believe is that I actually ate 30 grilled cheese sandwiches throughout this past month and *so far* have yet to experience any strange side effects. (Although, I haven't really had my cholesterol tested or bothered to step on a scale lately.) With all the excitement

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-45329403523395099392010-04-29T19:56:00.000-04:002010-04-29T19:56:20.535-04:00

When I first started doing research for National Grilled Cheese month, many of that local blogs and newspapers started promoting restaurants around Baltimore with specialty grilled cheese menus. Since there are only two days left of my Grilled Cheese Month Challenge, I decided now is the time to start testing out these places. (Note: Paper Moon Diner has two of the best grilled cheese sandwiches

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-62627631380723296262010-04-28T20:32:00.000-04:002010-04-28T20:32:47.865-04:00

Picking freshly steamed blue crabs is a Baltimore summertime tradition. "Charm City" boasts a bushel of great crab houses (from the fancy to the frills-free) and double that number in crab cake recipes. It seemed only natural this month to roll up my sleeves, sprinkle on the the Old Bay, squirt a little lemon and start making a Charm City Crab Cake Grilled Cheese. I have been waiting all

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-66834286171196945792010-04-27T19:58:00.000-04:002010-04-27T19:58:17.472-04:00

The idiom, "the real McCoy," is commonly used to mean "the real thing" or "the genuine article." While I secretly hoped I would find some connection to the Hatfield-McCoy feud of 1878-1891 with the phrase, I discovered that it is actually a corruption of a Scottish phrase, "The real MacKay" ("a drappie o' the real MacKay" - later adopted as a slogan to promote G Mackay & Co Ltd's whisky).

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-74482555782762273422010-04-26T21:17:00.000-04:002010-04-26T21:17:50.862-04:00

Anyone who has spent a minute in Pittsburgh has heard of Primanti Bros. The historic sandwich shop has been making its trademark French-fries-and-coleslaw-topped sandwich since 1933. The original Pitts-burgher Cheese Steak (#2 best seller) is my favorite sandwich on their menu - grilled sirloin, a vinegar-based coleslaw, sliced tomato and French fries between two pieces of Italian bread. This

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-1346998225454751762010-04-25T16:37:00.001-04:002010-04-25T16:40:21.367-04:00

I've been told eating a good breakfast sets the tone for the rest of the day, and that a healthy breakfast should contain protein and fiber. Protein can come from low fat meats, eggs, beans or dairy (meaning cheese, right?). Fiber can come from whole grains, vegetables and fruits. So, this morning I clearly set the tone for this Sunday Fun Day by making the Au Gratin Potato Grilled Cheese.

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-34112411933579027402010-04-24T21:32:00.000-04:002010-04-24T21:32:58.841-04:00

William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody is probably known by most Americans as a soldier, bison hunter and showman. The Wild West showman earned his nickname through his contract to supply Kansas Pacific Railroad workers with buffalo meat - he reportedly killed 4,860 American Bison in eight months during 1867-68! (Ironically, the nickname originally applied to Bill Comstock, but Comstock and Cody

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-64496345258915555612010-04-23T21:11:00.000-04:002010-04-23T21:11:12.736-04:00

Tonight's grilled cheese sandwich is a spin off of the Greek classic, a lamb gyro. (Gyros are made with spit-roasted meat, served with tzatziki sauce and garnished with tomato and onions on pita bread.) For my Grilled Cheese "Hero," you'll need some thinly shaved leg of lamb with a small mixture of romaine lettuce, red cabbage, carrots, a balsamic vinegar-dressed salad of grilled eggplant,

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-11008302040949473252010-04-22T20:49:00.000-04:002010-04-22T20:49:46.465-04:00

When I started to think about an appropriate grilled cheese sandwich to celebrate Earth Day, I started thinking about my favorite berries (and then dessert... and then chocolate). I decided Pain Perdu or "lost bread" (a style of French toast from France, Belgium and New Orleans) would also be perfect way to make my dessert grilled cheese sandwich tonight. I started with four slices of chocolate

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-6120170024947867142010-04-21T22:03:00.000-04:002010-04-21T22:03:37.721-04:00

Everyone knows the volcano under the Eyjafjallajokull (ay-yah-FYAH-lah-yer-kuhl) in Iceland has been busy these last few weeks - shooting ash and smoke four to six miles into the air and throwing magma chunks the size of cars into the air. So, tonight's Eyjafjallajokull Whiny Goat Grilled Cheese sandwich is a tribute to Iceland with lightly battered haddock and melted whiny goat cheese. (In the

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-67231523782453571972010-04-20T21:34:00.000-04:002010-04-20T21:34:24.143-04:00

There are only ten days left of my Grilled Cheese Challenge so it has become time to try out all my special recipes! And the theme this week has suddenly become International Grilled Cheese Week: a grilled cheese culinary adventure exploring cuisine from around the world. Just like the song, "It's a small world after all." The American fast-food chain, Wienerschnitzel (not to be confused with

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-86719256839409625152010-04-19T23:02:00.001-04:002010-04-20T04:18:36.828-04:00

I've been dreaming of how to make the perfect Grilled Cheese Quesadilla (and a margarita) and I found one you can order as well! Jerry and his team from Taco Fiesta offer a grilled cheese quesadilla, stuffed with melted Monterey Jack cheese and your choice of meat (steak, pork, char grilled chicken or shrimp). It is served with tomato, guacamole and sour cream. Estupendo!

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-25332411167797463282010-04-18T21:53:00.000-04:002010-04-18T21:53:20.925-04:00

Not only was Spring Bada Bing fun for the whole illegible ink family (the pups even got to take in the trails and dog parks of Richmond) but today was where I found one of my favorite "restaurant grilled cheeses." For $5.95, you can order the "Billy Goat" grilled cheese sandwich from the Plant Zero (PZ) Cafe. This Billy Goat is far from being gruff. It's toasted goat cheese, drizzled with honey

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-71041559388901356752010-04-17T22:34:00.000-04:002010-04-17T22:34:30.699-04:00

Sunday, April 18th is Spring Bada Bing in Richmond, VA. It is the BOSS of all indie craft shows so of course, I was up before dawn this morning putting the final touches on my prints. Ok, actually, I was still printing... I knew this was going to be a rough day to take time to research an appropriate grilled cheese sandwich (let along make one) but I am incredibly lucky because Mr. ink brought me

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-37697054697558412212010-04-16T21:59:00.000-04:002010-04-16T21:59:18.689-04:00

In a 1958 Wall Street Journal article, General Trudeau said the military services often slow down development of new weapons "because we are such perfectionists that we want everything but the kitchen sink in a weapon." Tonight, I applied the same reasoning when making my grilled cheese sandwich. I had the heat nice and even on the griddler, got all my ingredients (everything but the kitchen

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-57312459735457299272010-04-15T20:40:00.000-04:002010-04-15T20:40:59.135-04:00

Everyone always says there is nothing more American than apple pie. Well, I think if you make this version of a grilled cheese, you'll agree there is nothing better than a "Grilled Apple Pie Brie." I mean, what's not to love when combining grilled cheese and apple pie? To spice things up tonight, I used my grandmother's cookie cutter to cut out flower-shaped cinnamon raisin bread and stuffed my

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-24100866371943305272010-04-14T20:58:00.001-04:002010-04-14T20:59:44.940-04:00

The tomato seeds have been started to sprout this week in their little peat pots which means I am "this much closer" to summertime BLTs. And that prompted me to think about what is the best thing in the entire world? I guess, "True love is the best thing in the world, except for a nice MLT. Mutton, lettuce, and tomato sandwich; when the mutton is really lean." (Sorry, I couldn't resist a

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-45881627439253155162010-04-13T20:33:00.000-04:002010-04-13T20:33:17.557-04:00

A simple, breaded veal cutlet, sopressata and provolone cheese with sage garnish. Grilled to perfection and served with a side of sautéed garlic and spinach. Oh, and a glass of white burgundy!

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-59521705857522826982010-04-12T21:02:00.000-04:002010-04-12T21:02:27.624-04:00

You know you want to sing it with me: "Green Acres is the grilled cheese for me!" Three words came to mind when I took my first bite of tonight's grilled cheese sandwich: sassy, sexy and spicy. This Green Acre Grilled Cheese is one of the prettiest grilled cheeses I've made this month with the dark pumpernickel bread, oozing Jalapeño Monterey Jack, and piled high with sautéed spinach and garlic,

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-44835546101837125522010-04-11T21:41:00.000-04:002010-04-11T21:41:35.877-04:00

One of the Grilled Cheese Academy recipes I've been salivating over is the "Lisa Marie" with peanut butter, bananas and Wisconsin Butterkäse. But my first issue was finding Butterkäse here in Baltimore. So, in my tribute to Elvis, I decided I would use peanut butter, bananas, bacon, chocolate sauce, bacon and Marscapone (with a teaspoon of vanilla). And since I'm finding grilled cheese

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-81990464592638519762010-04-10T21:44:00.000-04:002010-04-10T21:44:45.378-04:00

When I returned home this evening from Washington, DC (totally exhausted from the Arts Education Partnership's recent forum), I knew I had to kiss my dogs, put on my pajamas and have some grilled cheese as soon as possible because I was (am) about to collapse. And even though I was tempted to just make a simple, plain ol' colby jack grilled cheese with tomato soup, I also knew I needed to try a

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-23822936162432999472010-04-09T22:40:00.000-04:002010-04-09T22:40:37.587-04:00

So, the first thing I have to say is I apologize for the grainy quality of this grilled cheese photo. (Somewhat a pleasantly ironic statement since the grilled mozzarella cheese sandwich with red pepper pesto and sliced tomato was on a whole grain bread.) It took close to a mile to find this grilled cheese concoction but it was totally worth the five restaurant stops, one disappointed Italian

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-84946607705360534602010-04-08T17:37:00.000-04:002010-04-08T17:37:15.540-04:00

For the next three days I'm at the Arts Education Partnership Forum, States of Change: New Leadership in Arts and Education. While I'm looking forward to soaking up all the inspirational knowledge from the likes of Arne Duncan and Rocco Landesman, I've been secretly stressing out about the next opportunity to get a grilled cheese sandwich. (I contemplated bring the griddler to the hotel with me

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-36396327080625112582010-04-07T21:16:00.000-04:002010-04-07T21:16:52.915-04:00

It was only a matter of time before the Grilled Cheese Chicken Parmigiana made it's way onto my grilled cheese menu. Thickly sliced, garlic-rubbed bread, breaded chicken tenderloins, chunky tomato and pesto marinara sauce, and two slices of melted provolone. Delizioso!

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-25513810899586015312010-04-06T19:49:00.000-04:002010-04-06T19:49:36.708-04:00

In an interview in the "Talk of the Town" column of The New Yorker in 1942, Lemuel Benedict, a retired Wall Street stock broker, claimed that he had wandered into the Waldorf Hotel hoping to find a cure for his morning hangover. He ordered buttered toast, poached eggs, crisp bacon and hollandaise sauce. My kind of guy! The famed maître d'hôtel, "Oscar of the Waldorf," was so impressed with the

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-77536135817273976152010-04-05T20:05:00.001-04:002010-04-05T20:05:58.851-04:00

This morning as I headed to work, the major news story was Donovan McNabb is heading to DC to play for the Redskins. So, what better day to try what I'm calling the Great Philly Grilled Cheese Steak? I sautéed onions, green peppers and mushrooms in a little olive oil with salt and pepper. Then I cut up some crusty bread, slathered it with butter, added slices of provolone and a little tangy zip

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-27326379267534487612010-04-04T21:25:00.000-04:002010-04-04T21:25:39.992-04:00

What do you get when you mix butter, cinnamon raisin bread, fresh strawberries, Mom's raspberry sauce, Mascarpone mixed with vanilla extract and a little caramel sauce? One heck of a grilled cheese sandwich - and quite a delicious dessert! I doctored up this recipe but you can find the original online at the Grilled Cheese Academy (The Bianca). So, hop to it and get grilling.

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-46627073865785308082010-04-03T16:42:00.000-04:002010-04-03T16:42:13.865-04:00

Have you seen the recent Burger King commercial where the King has broken into McDonald's and steals the sausage, egg and cheese McMuffin? Well, I've locked the door and set the security alarm so he doesn't try to break in to steal our version of the bacon, egg and grilled cheese! Maybe to save the King some trouble, I'll just share our simple recipe: eight scrambled eggs, five slices of

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-14947937948152270612010-04-02T19:31:00.000-04:002010-04-02T19:31:39.614-04:00

I woke up this morning thinking, "How the heck I am going to eat a grilled cheese sandwich today - especially since we're on our way from Baltimore to Deep Creek this weekend." But don't worry, The Fireside Deli & Wine Shop answered our grilled cheese prayers with the Italian Grilled Cheese: Capacolla and prosciutto hams, Genoa salami, provolone cheese, roasted red pepper and basil pesto on

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-21761542856269445442010-04-01T20:52:00.000-04:002010-04-01T20:52:32.688-04:00

In honor of National Grilled Cheese Month, the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board launched the Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Academy website and it is a site everyone who loves cheese should visit. The site features 30 grilled cheese sandwich recipes with photographs of each (photos that would probably make Martha Stewart's food editors drool). April 1, 2010 (Day 1): I give you The Carnegie, a Captain

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-6842965855328827342010-04-01T15:23:00.000-04:002010-04-01T15:23:11.152-04:00

I really do love grilled cheese sandwiches and when I found out April was National Grilled Cheese Month (who, by the way, decides these things?), I immediately joked with friends that I would do a "Thirty Days of Grilled Cheese Challenge." No surprise to them as I once wrote an essay (adding fuel to a longstanding cafeteria debate) claiming "forget mustard and ketchup, cheese is the ultimate

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-81248368184266812302010-03-26T11:05:00.000-04:002010-03-26T11:05:47.555-04:00

The month of March really didn't seem to roar in like a lion and go out like a lamb. In fact, when thinking about my work at illegible ink (or even the weather), it seems like the opposite would be true. There are artist residencies to finish up, print deadlines, show application deadlines, marketing updates, etc. that are all popping up at the end of this month. With all the carnivorous

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-77002638665186514212010-03-10T15:55:00.001-05:002010-03-10T15:56:13.927-05:00

When Pile of Craft rolls around, I'm finally feeling that spring has finally sprung!

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-13996852683189939982010-03-09T16:30:00.008-05:002010-03-24T21:37:21.175-04:00

When someone asks about my favorite comfort food, I usually answer some sort of variation involving potatoes. Mashed potatoes alone have so many delicious variations to choose from - but I love potato salad, potato soup, scalloped potatoes and of course, French fries. So when we were in Vancouver during the Olympics, I couldn't contain my excitement over the chance to try "poutine."  Poutine: A

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-81405909876984305912010-02-24T17:00:00.002-05:002010-02-25T13:54:22.942-05:00

An admitted (Anthony) Bourdainophile, when I knew we were headed to the Winter Olympics in Vancouver actual event tickets were not the only thing on my mind (although ice hockey was definitely up there). The local eateries of this foodie town were just as much a priority. After we took in the Canada-Germany quarterfinal match, we cheerfully trudged through the rain on a mission to find all those

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-45245231319140815042010-02-20T09:43:00.000-05:002010-02-20T09:43:06.618-05:00

These past two weeks in February have been a blizzard (pun intended, of course) of activity for me here in Charm City, USA. In addition to starting those indie craft show applications, shoveling the car out of a four foot snow drift, shoveling it out again and trying to balance Mr. illegible ink and our three amazing animals, I also squeezed in time to teach a printmaking residency in Lena

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-81246489313994595672010-02-19T23:00:00.089-05:002010-02-20T10:42:47.760-05:00

Anyone who knows me well, knows that the phrase, "Let them eat cake" doesn't really apply to my culinary taste buds. It is all about the pie! (We didn't even cut - or serve - the cake at our wedding reception - we sliced into Mom's coconut cream pie and never looked back.) Which is why after landing in Seattle yesterday, I was very excited to hear about Tom Douglas' restaurant, Serious Pie. We

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-61290253465760471262010-02-11T15:23:00.001-05:002010-02-11T15:24:02.938-05:00

The craft shows will be in full swing in April and I've got to get carving. Sticking loosely with a Top Ten list, this is a list of my new illegible ink print ideas for 2010. (Ideas are listed in alphabetical order - thus, the word "loosely.") But I need your help! Leave a comment with your favorite idea (or a new idea) and win a limited edition illegible ink card set (value of $20). Winner will

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-85681412537632295892010-01-19T16:34:00.001-05:002010-01-19T16:42:39.944-05:00

As more unsettling news pours in from Haiti, I have pulled together several places where you can find indie crafter-sponsored sales whose proceeds go to charities supporting Haitian Relief. Between now and February 1st, illegible ink will be donating 20% of all Etsy sales to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund. Baltimore Etsy Street Team (BEST) Haiti Relief: The BEST

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-59171472501975228662010-01-03T20:46:00.003-05:002010-01-03T20:49:01.109-05:00

It seems like the last week has been full of everyone's Top Ten lists so I thought it might be fun to start a couple of my own. The first one to tackle (since I've also been thinking about tax season with the start of this new year) is my Top Ten list of sale items (by volume) of 2009. So, here is the Top Ten of illegible ink Prints in 2009 - thanks to all of you! #10 The Snapdragons: Reds,

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-4638999743414028162009-12-28T14:13:00.000-05:002009-12-28T14:13:05.031-05:00

There are 49 days left to browse and vote and/or nominate yourself for the 2010 Baker Artist Awards - a celebration of Baltimore's artists. (I this first sentence is more a reminder to myself that I basically have a month to get on the site and update my pages!) The real reason for this post today is to let you know about the cool updates to the Baker site as well as their new iPhone app. The

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-72214658575883057052009-12-11T14:05:00.002-05:002009-12-11T14:05:46.639-05:00

Join Squidfire and 60 other talented artists and crafters for an all day shopping experience tomorrow. The Du Burns Arena in Canton will be transformed into an alternative shopping center when DIY/Indie crafters from all over the east coast descend upon Baltimore to offer you the most unique, handmade gift ideas. Hope to see you there! illegible ink is in Booth #6 (right near the entrance).

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-89450769118619334012009-12-02T12:03:00.000-05:002009-12-02T12:03:25.665-05:00

It's hard to believe Holiday Heap is only three days away and I have so much left to do before the show. At least I've shortened my list somewhat... There's one more plate to carve and print, a stack of prints to watercolor and then some final touches for framing. Here's a sneak peak of a new dino-friend rumblin' and stumblin' into the illegible ink booth!

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-22754998403767107082009-11-03T10:01:00.000-05:002009-11-03T10:01:44.386-05:00

This new illegible ink tree squirrel print will remind you to keep searching for that juicy nut (even on a Tuesday).

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-4089976304264499642009-10-26T12:29:00.002-04:002009-10-26T12:30:41.725-04:00

This weekend all the wild things seemed to be right at home in Baltimore! One of my favorite things about living in Charm City is that our rowhome is a half block from Patterson Park. Yesterday was a perfect example of how lucky we are with the annual BARCStoberfest and Great Halloween Lantern Parade. The Strut Your Mutt Walk is always my favorite afternoon event. Who doesn't enjoy a hot dog

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-70040966215987013872009-10-12T11:52:00.008-04:002009-10-12T13:50:24.510-04:00

The first day of Fall may have officially been September 22nd but I think it really hit me this weekend. The leaves are turning those striking burnt orange colors so the down comforter has emerged from the cedar chest, Julia Child's Ragout de bouef tout simple was made for dinner, and I've started washing my scarves to wear to work this week. I have a few knitting projects underway so I went to

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-65736064214350642522009-10-06T15:30:00.005-04:002009-10-06T15:49:42.701-04:00

Taking out a couple days here and there for the day job, catching up on Tivo, football games and family/friends visiting there are really only 8 weeks left until the holiday madness of craft shows start. So, do you want the good news or bad news first?The good news is you can get a jump start on all your holiday shopping through the Maryland SPCA's Shop-A-Paw-Looza. There are over 347 auction

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-68436554062255382152009-09-09T13:22:00.010-04:002009-09-19T19:09:25.905-04:00

Last year - right around the holiday season - I carved a gnome print. (I guess you could say I've been going through a gnome phase ever since the Travelocity Gnome started his commercial debut.)He was adorable and I loved that I could paint him in the holiday spirit or make him a master of the garden. But apparently my chillin' gnomie was not only pleasing to the eye but also delicious in my

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-7642944079764605212009-08-28T09:34:00.007-04:002009-08-28T10:05:51.816-04:00

Ok, so I'm not heading back to school but since the majority of friends are teachers or grad students, I couldn't help having some school spirit!I've got my new Sharpie color pack (which came with the new Sharpie pen!), a recycled notebook to jot down my next print ideas and help keep track of my "to do lists," and my favorite Seattle beans (Caffe Vita) arrived in the mail earlier this week.All I

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-85362171658316431892009-08-26T17:08:00.007-04:002009-08-26T17:25:17.940-04:00

I think one of my favorite things to do when I get home early from work this summer (other than run around with the pups) is to check out Ina Garten (The Barefoot Contessa) on the Food Network. I now own two of her cookbooks (Back to Basics and The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook) and am orchestrating my own little Julia & Julia experiment. Of course, I'm starting backwards... with dessert.This week I

illegible inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03225555893891933381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082473832321285107.post-16111145578512043742009-08-25T12:37:00.005-04:002009-08-25T12:55:33.661-04:00

A screenprinting buddy just turned me on to Mibo (www.mibo.co.uk); she knew I wouldn't be able to resist these "Wise Guys." These little paper owls are a perfect DIY project and all you need is a printer, paper, glue stick, ruler and scissors. For about $1.70, you can buy the print-at-home kit online and these four little guys will land as a PDF file in your inbox!

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