Loving Lately

So inspired by these adorable snack creations we see on Pinterest, we had to recreate some that we thought possible. We also wanted to see if making healthy food look cute would actually make our kids eat more of a variety of fruits… the short answer is, no. They basically ate their familiar favorites; and were a bit disappointed if they were touching the less desirable items on the plate. That being said, we’re pretty relieved, because some of these beauties are sort of a pain to make if not for a special occasion. We do agree though, that making these little edible works of art would be an awesome addition to a kid’s party- or the centerpiece of a fruit platter. Here are some of our fruitful presentations…

The apple umbrella with blueberry raindrop (pictured above) was so simple and fast, we can see making it again…perhaps for one of those warmer rainy spring days that lie ahead (yes it’s coming…you have to keep the faith!)

If you don’t know what to do with your picky eater’s apple peelings… how about adding them to some strawberry flowers and making them into a tree? Isn’t this panda the cutest!?

Inspired by an Instagram photo from @cutechichai, this may have been the winner with the kids. Maybe it was the whimsical way the girl holds a bouquet of balloons, or maybe it was the marshmallows? (Okay, it was definitely the marshmallows.)

Seriously, the camera loved these guys! With peanut butter, bananas and blueberries on toast, the kids did too. The best part is it was a cinch to assemble, and we could see ourselves putting it together on a weekday school morning. (And, with a an added drizzle of honey, it even became lunch to a hungry Sadie-bear.)

These tropical fruits make up the perfect palm tree basking in the warm sunshine. Great for kids, but maybe it could inspire us adults too? Get bikini ready and enjoy the snack… and just picture yourself under the shady palms.

Moove over palm tree, it’s time to eat like a cow. Blackberries and cream cheese fruit dip make a delicious topping to toast, and the green apple grass is such a cute detail! (Side note: this adorable creation inspired by an instagram pic from @darynakossar took the longest to assemble.)

Hope you enjoyed our kid’s food reproductions. If you have any you’d like to share, tag us on Instagram @sadiesnest. We’d love to see your masterpieces!

Aunt Esta’s Poppy Seed Bread

My Great-Aunt Esta is the youngest of six children in my grandmother’s sibling line-up. She is the only member of those loved ones still with us today. It was only on special occasions that we were able to visit with Aunt Esta, after she made the trip from New York. Honestly, all I remember from those visits was watching my grandma and her sisters laugh; talk a little- and laugh; move around a little- and laugh. It was the best. They all had great senses of humor, and nothing was off limits to become a joke. They could laugh at each other, at themselves, and even make the best of bad situations. It’s a gift; and if youtube had been a thing, they would have had a lot of followers. As time and families do, we went on and spread out. We don’t see each other as much as we’d like to… Which is why having recipes from special people is so rewarding. I love baking from scratch, sharing homemade food with my children, and telling them stories about loved ones.

Makes 2 loaves (or 6 mini-loaves)

3 cups Flour

2 1/4 cups Sugar

3 Tbsp Poppy Seeds

1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder

1 1/2 tsp Salt

3 Eggs, lightly beaten

1 1/2 cups Milk

1 cup Vegetable Oil

1 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract

1 1/2 tsp Almond extract

1 1/2 tsp Butter extract

Glaze:

3/4 cup Sugar

1/4 cup Orange Juice

1/2 tsp Vanilla extract

1/2 tsp Almond extract

1/2 tsp Butter extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 2 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 inch loaf pans. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine first 5 ingredients.

Add eggs, milk, oil, and extracts. Pour into prepared pans. Bake for 60 – 65 minutes (30-35 minutes for mini-loaves); until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely in pans.

On to the glaze!

I juiced an orange, but you do you.

In a saucepan, bring all glaze ingredients to a boil.

Pour over bread in pans.

Cool 5 minutes; remove from pans and cool completely.

Don’t be like me and eat a whole mini-loaf in one sitting.

Grandma (top left), with her parents and siblings
Esta: Bottom row, on the left


Marrow

What is Marrow? By definition, it’s the choicest of food; the inmost, best, or essential part. In Detroit, it’s all that- in a hot new restaurant.

Actually, it’s a butcher shop by day, restaurant by night. Rachel and I happened to stumble upon Marrow on a trip to the Detroit’s West Village after frequenting a local pie shop. When we saw “hot birds” on the window sign we, being from The Nest, thought “that’s us.” Of course, they were advertising rotisserie chickens.

The Detroit Free Press had just bestowed Marrow with the honor of No. 2 in Detroit’s Top 10 Best New Restaurants as we moseyed our way in. Oh sure, their cameras might have been bigger, but they had nothing on our appetites. It was like being a kid in a candy store for these carnivores, and we couldn’t wait to take things home for our families to try too. We grabbed sausages (spicy, summer, and pork), Lebanese bologna, and pepperoni. If only we would have brought a cooler, we could have taken home some steaks- or a shank. (Next time…)

Marrow’s butcher shop offers a lunch special every day, we were serendipitous enough to come on a Corned Beef Reuben day. I am not exaggerating when I say the thin slices of corned beef melted in my mouth. Honestly, it melted like a good prosciutto, except with the flavor of a delicious mild corned beef. The sandwich bread was a soft and hearty wheat from Zingerman’s (an Ann Arbor favorite); the Russian dressing was flavorful, but not overpowering; and the crunch from those sweet pickles, mmmm… Let me say that again, those sweet pickles from Coriander Kitchen and Farm of Detroit, were a star in their own right. And FYI, we heard that Coriander is going to be opening a Detroit restaurant in the near future. Oh yeah!

Rachel felt baller sitting at the bar next to the dry ager full of meat (it was a little early for her cognac and cigar). Marrow emanates a great vibe. It’s local-butcher-shop-esque with their impressive displays of meats and charcuteries- complete with meat-carver in apron for day-comers…

And urban chic-meets industrial bar for the night crowd. “The neighborhood butcher shop and restaurant hybrid serves as a community gathering place.” I wish I lived across the street, because I could see me hanging out there regularly.

But I think what I loved most about Marrow, okay, besides the friendly and knowledgable staff- (shout out to the Executive Chef Sarah, who shared a sample of a prototype seasoning blend)…

What I loved most, was the sense of community. #DetroitProud Marrow is supporting local business, who in turn support them. It’s a real grassroots effort that is contributing to the Detroit comeback. Business owners and community members alike are working together and supporting one another for the betterment of the city at large and those who live there. Shelves are stocked with Michigan made goods, and the names of local farms who supply the meats, cheeses, and such are visibly listed on the back wall.

There are great things happening in the D. And it’s contagious- because of businesses like Marrow who take pride in giving their community quality products and services. The vision of founder Ping Ho is to “inspire a return to old world practices of buying direct and supporting small local producers.” There are strength in numbers, and Detroit business owners working together, along with the backing of local patrons, is a movement that is gaining momentum. Although, being excellent at what they do, it’s no wonder that Marrow is getting due recognition for being outstanding.

Thanks to Marrow for letting us spend time perusing your establishment. Our lunch was delicious; and we’ve been enjoying our products, such as Graham’s Organics breakfast pork sausage, at home too!

We can’t wait to get back for dinner at Marrow soon, and a word to the wise: reservations are recommended. (And they are closed on Tuesdays)

Marrow is located at 8044 Kercheval Ave, 1B  |  Detroit, Michigan

For more information check out their website at www.marrowdetroit.com

Loving Lately

Be My Vital-tine ❤️

Chocolates?

Flowers?

Nah, BUTTER. I can’t think of anything I’ve been loving lately more than Vital Farms butter. (#notsponsored) It’s smooth, creamy, and tastes so rich it makes Jeff Bezos the jelly. And if you haven’t been eating it, it’s because you don’t know any butter.

Quality is key…The ingredient list is simply this: cream (milk), and sea salt. That’s it. And the cream comes from pasture raised cows, which means they are able to graze on grassy pastures to their hearts content. The butter does not carry the “grass fed” label, but don’t let this discourage you! With their ethical efforts, Vital Farms focuses on humane treatment of the “ladies” and sometimes that means a diet including corn and hay for their well-being. Made on American farms in small batches, this butter carries the high butter fat content, (we now know promotes heart health) and is hormone and antibiotic free. It’s keto friendly, full of vitamins, and recent studies show grass fed butter may reduce the risk of heart disease. (#sponsorplease)

So if you’re trying to butter up your Valentine, I’d suggest Vital Farms (and I know butter than you). Granted it’s a little pricey at around $8 for a half pound, but you butter believe it’s worth it! You can find it at Whole Foods (the first to carry it), Kroger, Target, Walmart and even Amazon! And I want you to buy it, because it’s amazing (and I want them to lower the price).



P.S. If you’ve never topped your steak with a pat of butter, give it a try… It’s SO good. And I dare say, a tablespoon blended in your coffee isn’t just for KETO. It can increase brain function- now that’s love.

Last 2 image courtesy of a greeting card










Maraschino Cherry-Almond Biscotti

On any given day, it’s possible that I have a pre-breakfast snack. (This is a no judge zone.)

On average, I wake at 6:30 am… by 7:00 I’m hitting the gym. Bahaha! Just kidding. (In a dream world though…) But Seriously, by 7 I have a cup of coffee in hand and a mouthful of “something” as I go about my morning routine. Sometimes it’s the crust of a peanut butter sandwich, or some apple slices that didn’t fit in the snack bag for my kid’s packed lunch, other times it’s lemon water and Greek yogurt for a metabolic jump start. For me these first few bites kick off the day and set the tone for my morning. When I really want it to satisfy, it’s biscotti (or a Kind granola bar, because those are just candy I get to call health food). This Maraschino Cherry Almond Biscotti recipe is perfection for those days that you want that- life is good and I’m so fancy feeling… maybe I should get a mani?

1/2 cup butter softened

1 tablespoon almond extract

2 eggs

3 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup sliced almonds, toasted

1 cup maraschino cherries well drained, patted dry, and finely chopped (reserve the juice, secret recipe at the end 😉 )

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Toast your almond slices on a parchment lined cookie sheet for about eight minutes, let cool and set aside.

Chop drained maraschino cherries and strainer a bowl (reserving juice). Place cherries on a paper towel to remove excess moisture so that your biscotti stays crunchy. Set aside.

Beat sugar and butter until smooth, add almond extract, and eggs until combined.


Using a sifter add flour, baking powder, and baking soda and mix until dough is formed. Fold in almonds and cherries.

If dough is crumbly,  turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a couple minutes.

Now divide dough in half and shape each half into a rectangle about 12” x 2.5”, and place each half on an ungreased cookie sheet.


Bake for 30 minutes or until the center of the dough is firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and cool. Once cooled, cut each rectangle on the bias into ½” slices using a serrated knife. Place slices, cut side down, on the ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake about 15 minutes. When they are lightly browned move to a cooling rack.

Once they’re cool they are ready to be enjoyed (and totally delicious in their own right). Or you can decorate them like we did using milk chocolate, white chocolate, sliced almonds and our own maraschino cherry white chocolate.

To make Maraschino Cherry-White Chocolate Glaze: simply melted ½ cup of white chocolate over a double boiler and whisk in about ¼ cup of the (room temperature) reserved maraschino cherry juice.

Have a fabulous morning… and day… evening…

Loving Lately

Last minute gift ideas… Valentine’s Day is only 1 week away!

You can’t go wrong with chocolates, flowers, and a romantic dinner- those are a given. Hey, you score points for remembering the day! But what about those of you looking for new ideas, or trying to think outside the heart-shaped box? We’ve put together just a few gift options that might hit the mark. (Spoiler alert: “heart-shaped box” was a play on words… all of these options have heart shapes.)

Many of us- moms, dads, grandparents alike, have several little loves in our lives. A thoughtful keepsake (such as a decorative platter with sweet little thumbprints pictured above), could be the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. If you’re not afraid to get a little crafty, Simply Kierste Design has the step-by-step guide just for you!

Image courtesy of UncommonGoods.com

Along the same lines of cherishing your loved ones, is this personalized bracelet found on UncommonGoods.com. How cute is that! Side note: This happen’s to be Rachel’s favorite (the newest member of the Sadie’s Nest team).

Image courtesy of William-Sonoma.com

Most of you probably already know that Sadie has a love of Nordic Ware. (There are worse things in life…) So if you happen to be the Valentine of a baker, this might be your best option. And not that you have selfish intentions; however, this could be the gift that keeps on giving. Because, when your loved one bakes with it, they are highly likely to give you one of their homemade delectables. (Just a little something to keep in mind.) You can find this beautiful pan at William Sonoma.

Image courtesy of Target.com

If that special someone in your life has just moved into their first apartment, or bought a new home… a decorative piece might be the solution for you. A reusable gift, like this heart-shaped wreath from Target is only $19.99! And bonus; they will think about you every year when they put it on display!

Image courtesy of Etsy.com

Last but not least, are these vintage-themed and nostalgic-inspired pins found on Etsy.com. I love the age-old romanticism of someone carving their initials into the bark of a tree… And of course there is the classic tell-tale significance of someone being in a “steady” relationship once they’ve been “pinned”.

Whatever you decide to do, I’m sure it will be perfect- after all, it’s from you!

Ground Beef Stroganoff

What to eat during a polar vortex?

For those of us in the upper midwest, this time of year begs for comfort food. We need something to keep us warm and fed; our bodies and our souls. I remember my mom making this during the cold winter months growing up. It was the perfect answer to the snowy walk from the bus stop to the front door. As an adult, I love that this recipe uses ground beef. (What northerner doesn’t have a pound of hamburger in their fridge at all times?) This recipe is simple and hearty, it has few ingredients- and will keep you alive.

1 lb Ground Beef

1 oz. packet Dry Onion Soup mix

1 family size Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (22.6 oz.)

1/2 tsp Pepper (to taste)

2/3 – 1 cup Sour Cream (to taste)

Fresh Parsley, chopped, to garnish

12 oz. Pasta or Egg Noodles (cooked according to package directions)

1 tbsp Butter

Brown the beef (if using lean meat, you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan).

Add dry soup mix, stir until combined.

Stir in Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup and pepper. Let sauce cook over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. Remove from heat and add sour cream.

Add butter to cooked noodles, top with warm creamy beef sauce, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy!



Loving Lately

It’s holiday-season crunch time… the last inning… the homestretch… the- you get the point. Decorations are up. Plans are set. Presents are bought, made, and wrapped (well, in some homes- not mine yet). There’s only one thing left to do… eat! Which in reality is numerous things; shop, prep, cook, bake, serve, clean, etc. But don’t think you have to do it all by yourself. I love that these days we have so many easily accessible handcrafted options; just a click or phone call away! And if you’re looking to put dessert over the edge and wow your guests (even if it’s just your kids, because let’s face it, they are the most important), have I got a tip for you: Baking Bros!

Birch Buck Cake

You know I love my home state of Michigan. And there is nothing more I’d rather do than showcase local talent. Baking Bros, of Lansing Michigan, is loaded with it. Founders, Stephen (the recipe guru) and Andrew (decorator extraordinaire), began their side business baking for co-workers, friends, and family. Of course, with ability like this, it’s only fair that they let the rest of us have a turn in line.

BakingBros Starting Lineup! Funfetti, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Red Velvet, Carrot Cake, and Lemon Blueberry

If you catch the tagline on the Baking Bros Facebook Page, you will see that they are categorized as a “Cupcake Shop” -which is fantastic… but can I just take a moment to showcase these macarons? 

Grey and Gold Chocolate Macarons

Because, I think they could just as easily refer to themselves as a “Macaron Shop”. And incidentally, how cute would those be served at a New Year’s Eve party?

What about a Christmas ham?

Thanksgiving Ham Cake!

Just kidding. That’s cake.

Really, it’s colored fondant.

I swear!

It’s true that holidays are in the forefront this time of year, but as I have mentioned before this is also birthday season for many of my friends. And I actually wish one of my kids was having a birthday right now, because I have a great idea. It’s so good, I can taste it. And it tastes like dirt (just go with it). It sounds like hammer and chiseling. Or maybe brushing? It sounds like exactly whatever archeologists do on their sites; because we are digging for dinosaur fossils! (I don’t know about your kids, but my boys love dinosaurs.) For this hypothetical party, I would order some fake bones, from like Amazon or something, and bury them in the beach area of our back yard (a good sized sand box would work too.) I’d have to make up some wild story about how a T-Rex must have had an epic battle and ripped this [insert dinosaur name here] limb from limb! (How else would the pieces get scattered around?) I’d have a big tarp where we would lay out our pieces, as we tried to put the puzzle of bone shapes together. Eventually, after a successful dig and fossil assembly, we’d be starving… we would wash up, eat something tasty and sensible (TBD), and follow it up with the perfect cake. Can you see it? I can. It looks like this:

Dinosaur Dig!

Are you kidding me! Is that the cutest dinosaur cake you’ve ever seen? Yes, it is. And I am seriously going to order it, as soon as I can talk one of my kids into a dinosaur birthday party. Coincidentally, it is Andrew’s birthday today, the artistic genius behind that idyllic cake. Happy Birthday Andrew!

As much as I would love to plan this party (and I would), I need to focus. Christmas morning is almost here! And do you know what would make that morning extra special? A cup of freshly brewed coffee and these Double Iced CinnaMuffins from Baking Bros. If you are lucky enough to live in the mid-Michigan area, they deliver! (The rest of you keep on the look-out for shipping options in the future 😉 )

Double Iced CinnaMuffins

Thanks to Stephen and Andrew for being so fun to feature! 

For more information and ordering options check out:

Baking Bros

828 Powderhorn

Lansing, Michigan 48917

www.thebakingbros.com

(908) 246-2626

All images in this post are courtesy of Baking Bros. and used with permission

My Favorite Cut-Out Cookies

The best sugar cookie recipe -ever!

It’s versatile, it’s forgiving; roll it thin, roll it thick. It holds its’ shape. Most importantly, it’s delicious… It makes a good amount, and it doesn’t call for something ridiculous (when trying to homestyle mass produce), like 1 egg yolk. You don’t have to wait for it to chill! What else could you want?

As found at TwoSistersCrafting.com:

Cookie Dough

  • 2 cups Sweet Cream Salted Butter (4 sticks), softened
  • 2 cups Sugar
  • 2 Eggs
  • 2 tbsp. Vanilla
  • 4 tsp. Baking Powder
  • 6 cups Flour
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Add butter and sugar to your mixer.  Cream the butter and sugar until it is completely mixed.  Do not over-mix.
  3. Add vanilla and eggs and mix until completely incorporated.
  4. Add Baking Powder and mix.
  5. Mix in the flour two cups at a time.
  6. Mix until combined (finish with spoon and hands if necessary).
  7. Lightly flour a surface area.
  8. Roll out dough on prepared surface.
  9. Cut out desired shapes, and place on cookie sheet. (Re-rolling leftover dough pieces until used up.)
  10. Bake for 6-8 minutes, or 7-9 minutes if thicker.
  11. Allow to cool before decorating.

For Two Sister’s icing ideas, click on the link above. However, for my classic cut-out sugar cookies, I went old school; straight out of Better Homes & Garden’s Royal Icing circa 1968. (Just how dad used to make them.)

Royal Icing

3 Egg whites, room temperature

1 pound sifted powdered Sugar

1 tsp Vanilla (we skipped this for the white icing, but added it for colors)

1/2 tsp Cream of Tartar

Mix until smooth. Add desired colors. Decorate until your hearts content.

Optional: Food coloring, dragées, colored sugars (varying in size), other decorative edibles.

Also optional: invite friends and family over to decorate.

Loving Lately

This is the time of year that every baker (home and professional) thrives on. I get totally blown away by the creativity; the elaborate pie crusts… the eggnog flavored, well everything. If you are, or live with a baker, you totally understand the refrigerators full of butter (or countertops full, because they are softening to room temp); you are not surprised by perhaps multiple 10 pound bags of flour; you don’t get shocked anymore by copious amounts of powdered sugar. It’s par for the seasonal course. My kids probably wouldn’t think anything was out of the ordinary if I said “tonight we are trying out new bundt cake recipes for dinner!” (That’s a good idea, actually.) However, in spite of all of the options, right now I am totally obsessed with Gingerbread House Cakes. Totally.

Courtesy of Pinterest

Never mind that WordPress changed all of their formatting and this already technically challenged blogger is completely thrown. Does anyone really know what they’re doing? …Of course, I am ecstatic that Tiffany Thiessen introduced me to perfect mashed potatoes in her new cookbook, Pull Up a Chair. I am completely disheartened that the Chicken Pot Pie recipe from Magnolia Table turned out more like Chicken Pot Soup. (Side note: did anyone else try that recipe?) But nothing compares with my excitement of the fantastical world of fairy tale inspired, elegant and simultaneously rustic, sweet and scenic, modeled confections known as Gingerbread House Cakes. Nothing. 

Pink Gingerbread Dream House Drip Cake by Veronica Arthur.

Gingerbread House Cakes are perfect all winter long. The epitomize the the spirit of the season without being too specific to one day. They seem so special, and at the same time so approachable. If you can slather on some white frosting, and assemble even a store bought gingerbread structure, maybe rinse and dry a few winter greens, and sprinkle a little powdered sugar… well then, you too can participate in this beautiful trend!

Image courtesy of Pinterest

Naturally if one big centerpiece isn’t your thing, or maybe you have a classroom of 24 little people to accommodate, you don’t have to feel left out.

Image courtesy of alittlebitofsillinessreally.tumblr.com

Maybe you are willing to make cookies, but nothing else! Hmmm…. Here you go!

Image courtesy of taste.com.au

If you’re looking for the whole effect with a real shortcut, Nordic Ware has you covered. Shoot, you can even buy it from Williams-Sonoma with a mix! (There’s no shame in that game.)

Image courtesy of Williams-Sonoma.com

But just consider this:

Image courtesy of @cgoedke

It’s (almost) magical. 

I’ll be in the kitchen.

Featured image courtesy of Postcards and Pretties