Author Archives: Stef

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About Stef

Family: Husband (Tom) and little man Lincoln James. Dwelling: A 1967 Ranch home that changes every day. Homemaker tip: Don’t be afraid to fail. A bad meal can always be fixed with a frozen pizza, a dead plant can be replaced and paint can cure a room. I consider my style: Contemporary with a vintage flair. I love a sleek piece of furniture with the contrast of an old vase or a stack of old used books. I cannot live without eating: Italian Beef sandwiches. I am Chicago-bred and love a good beef with sweet peppers. Pizza is a close second. Three foods you will always find in my pantry: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Crushed Tomatoes and Chicken Broth. My cooking mantra: Even foods that were destined to be bad for you can be recreated in a healthy way.
by | September 19, 2011 · 8:24 am

{Giveaway} West Bend Versatility Slow Cooker

Here at Haute Apple Pie we are celebrating our two year anniversary (or as we like to call it, blogversary)! We can hardly believe it has been two full years since our idea came into fruition. Thank you to all of our loyal readers for listening to what we have to share!

Two years seems like a mere grain of sugar in a hot pie compared to the 100 year anniversary local Wisconsin company West Bend Housewares is celebrating this month. 100 years in business is quite a remarkable accomplishment this day and age, so we tip our chef’s hats to them! We are very excited to tell you that we are sharing the spirit of celebration by giving away a West Bend Versatility Slow Cooker this week!

We can’t say enough about how great this slow cooker is, especially if space is limited in your kitchen. Not only is it a slow cooker, but it is a griddle and a warming tray as well. It has four temperature settings and the vessel can be used on the stove top, oven, refrigerator and freezer and it is dishwasher safe! We know many of our readers are avid slow cooking fans, so we are excited that one of you will be the lucky winner of this little beauty!

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

To enter our giveaway, leave a comment telling us about your favorite meal to make in a slow cooker. You can also get a bonus vote by going over to Facebook and “liking” West Bend. Leave us a comment to tell us you did so! The giveaway ends at midnight (Central Time) on Thursday, September 22, 2011. The winner will be announced Friday, September 23rd.

Congrats again to West Bend for 100 years!

You must be 18 years of age and a citizen of the United States to enter. No purchase necessary. The winner will be chosen at random. 


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by | September 16, 2011 · 7:34 am

The Art of Toddler Food: Snack Time

When Lincoln started on solid foods last year, I thought I had this whole food thing down pat. He ate every colorful vegetable I so lovingly pureed for him. Hooray! I do not have a finicky eater on my hands! Or so I thought…

Once Lincoln started to think a bit more independently (and by a bit, I mean VERY independent), meal and snack time began to change. My once blissful fresh produce state morphed into countless meals dropped on the floor and one frustrated mommy. I don’t necessarily believe it is the taste of the food Lincoln doesn’t like. He will eat peas one day and turn his nose the next. My little food critic decides what he will or will not eat before putting it into his mouth. So I have had to become crafty in making healthy and wholesome food for my pint sized Anthony Bourdain. If eating can be a fun experience, it is more likely the food will be consumed!

Enter: dip. The little man loves to dip his food in sauces. Most often he likes the sauce more than the dipping food. With the help of some healthy, creamy ingredients, I’ve started to create dips I feel better about than anything I can find in the store. (And they are great for moms too!)

Yogurt Veggie Dip

1 1/2 C plain Greek yogurt
1/3 C sour cream
1/2 large cucumber, finely diced
1/2 large carrot, finely grated
1 tsp dry dill
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp celery salt
1/2 tsp ground mustard
1/2 tsp table salt

Add yogurt and sour cream to a large bowl. Stir thoroughly. Add cucumber and carrots, mix well. Add dry spices, mix well. Make sure to taste before serving to make sure the spices are to you or your child’s palette.

Serve with cut up fresh vegetables, crackers, pretzel sticks, pita bread or veggie chips.

I like to spoon the dip into individual containers. Lincoln finds himself to be pretty awesome when he has his own bowl in which to dip. It is a great and easy snack to have on hand.

If you don’t have kids, make this for yourself! It is a perfect lunchbox companion for those afternoon office munchies.

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by | September 9, 2011 · 8:33 am

Hosting a Book Swap

In second grade, I read 116 books to win the Bubble Gum Book Award for our classroom. My love affair with books has yet to simmer. While I fancy a good library, I am a sucker for buying books. I like to support the author. I savor the new book smell and feel. Most of all, I love to share my books with friends and family.

It was my turn to host our monthly girl’s night. Over the years, I’ve noticed our discussions on our current reads. We are always bringing books to pass along to the next reader. Therefore, the decision to host a book swap was an easy one. To my elation, everyone was excited with the idea.

Here are the guidelines we followed for a successful book swap:

  1. Everyone was asked to bring up to five books they wouldn’t miss if they were gone from their bookshelf for awhile.
  2. When the girls arrived, they were given bookmarks for each book. Everyone filled out the bookmarks, placed it in the book and set it on the table. You can download the printable version of the bookmark here.
  3. Each guest perused the books around the table. We asked questions, shared our stories and recommended books to those we thought would like it best.
  4. If more than one person wanted the book, names were written on the back of the bookmark so the reader knew who to pass the book along to next.
  5. Everyone left happy with a new handful of books!

We didn’t find it necessary to pick in a certain order, since there were only about eight of us. If working with a larger group, I would suggest picking numbers out of a hat. Then have each guest pick one book each time around until everyone has reached their book quota.

Pair some good books with a few delicious appetizers and a nice cocktail and you will have yourself a fantastic evening, especially if you are a book worm like me. This is a fun party activity with friends, or a good way to change up your monthly book club meeting.

While we are on the subject of reading, I’d love to know what our HAP readers are reading! I recently finished Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand and cannot stop thinking about it. It is an amazing and true World War II story of survival after survival after survival. I give it 4 full pies. What are your favorite recent reads?

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by | September 2, 2011 · 7:57 am

Summer Asparagus

It is hard to believe summer is almost at its end! Just like Katie, I too am enjoying the abundance of my garden, especially tomatoes! My Roma tomato plant produced in plenty this year, so I have been finding new and interesting ways to incorporate tomatoes into all of my dishes.

I recently bought farm fresh eggs from my local farmer’s market. A woman whom I met at the market told me she once lived in Spain and was often served asparagus with scrambled egg and tomato. I had to give this idea a try! This little side dish makes for a pretty serving plate, so it would be a great idea to bring along for a Labor Day BBQ!

Summer Asparagus
1 lb fresh asparagus
2 ripe Roma tomatoes, chopped
1 egg
1/2 TBSP milk
1 TBSP olive oil
cracked black pepper
paprika
salt

Preheat the grill to a medium heat. Prepare the asparagus by snapping off the rough white ends. Brush the asparagus with olive oil. Add asparagus to the grill. Cook for approximately 6-8 minutes, until tender. Remove from grill and place on plate. Season with salt and pepper.

Preheat small non-stick skillet to medium high heat. In small bowl, beat egg and milk. Add egg and scramble until heated through. Remove from heat. Chop into small pieces. Lay on top of asparagus. Add tomato on top of egg. Season with salt, pepper and paprika.

The asparagus was wonderful paired with a grilled pork chop and roasted rosemary potatoes. It would also make a great brunch side dish.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

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by | August 26, 2011 · 8:01 am

Bloggy Boot Camp

When we started this blog almost two years ago, we were just three girls with similar interests. Despite my marketing and public relations knowledge, I never paid attention to or cared that any type of blogger network existed. I certainly did not see myself fitting into this group. But alas, how things can change. One renovated bathroom, one graduate degree, one child, thousands of dirty diapers, hundreds of posts, a few dozen Wisconsin snow storms and two years later, I can say, I now belong to this group of bloggers. I don’t know that I ever fought it. But now, I embrace it.

This past weekend, I had the awesome opportunity to attend Bloggy Boot Camp, hosted by The SITS girls (The Secret to Success is Support). Surrounded by a couple hundred other women bloggers in a ballroom in Northbrook, IL, I sat and listened to an array of speakers that spoke on a topic I truly found myself to be passionate about. I am not going to write a recap or post my meeting notes (though they are already typed and ready to go if anyone is interested). I just want to take the time to say thank you to the SITS girls and all of the speakers that shed such lovely light on something that I previously just looked at as a fun hobby.

If you are a blogger, I suggest checking out their site. It’s a great place to find like minded people, whether you are a mommy blogger, a food blogger, a political blogger or anything else in between. If you are not a blogger, I urge you to find something similar to attend that suits your hobby. I’ve never done anything like this and have to say that the sense of belonging was quite encouraging.

So look for more great things from Haute Apple Pie in the near future. My mind has not stopped spinning since Saturday!

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by | August 19, 2011 · 8:06 am

{obsessed with} Big Round Balloons

Maybe I am just a kid at heart, but I really cannot get enough of these big round balloons I keep seeing around the web. I am not sure if it is the huge burst of color against the sky, the laughable size in comparison to the person holding it or the way it can beautifully and simply fill up a space.

Photo via Far Out Brussel Sprout

Photo via Flowkery

Photo via Weddingspot UK

I recently used a few of these three-foot balloons at the Pink and Gray Sweet Celebration I styled this summer. They were a hit with kids and adults alike!

All of this inspired me to try them out on my own kid. My sister and I attempted to be professional photographers this week with our 18 month olds. The toddler/balloon situation did not go as swimmingly as hoped, but we were still able to capture a few adorable photos of our own.

If you live in the Milwaukee area, you can get these balloons at Bartz’s Party Stores. I’ve also seen them for sale online at i luv sugar and Shop Sweet Lulu.

If you have a creative way you have used big balloons, we’d love to hear from you!

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by | August 12, 2011 · 8:08 am

{Farmer’s Market} Patty Pan Penne

Ahhh. Garden season is upon us. Sure it was fun to plant the garden and watch it grow, but it is so much more fun to reap the delicious benefits. I was delighted last week when I harvested my first four red, juicy Roma tomatoes from my garden. I’m also enjoying the fruit (or vegetables) of other people’s hard labor, aka, the farmer’s market. I adore the look of the little yellow patty pan squash. So I picked up some patty pan and leeks and got to work on what I believe is one of the most flavorful pasta dishes I have ever made.

Patty Pan Penne
1 C whole wheat penne
1 lb patty pan squash
4 Roma tomatoes, roughly chopped (or 1 large heirloom or other variety of large tomato)
2 leeks, washed and chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 C unsalted butter
sea salt
cracked black pepper
2 oz goat cheese

In a medium sauce pan, boil water. Add penne, cook al dente, about 8 minutes.

Wash and slice the ends of the patty pan squash. If they are large, you can cut them in halves or quarters. Heat a large skillet on medium high. Add butter until melted. Add garlic, saute for one minute, moving constantly to avoid burning. Add patty pan squash, season with salt and pepper. Simmer until softened, approximately 10 minutes. Add leeks, saute until soft, about 4 minutes. Add tomatoes and penne, cook for 1-2 minutes.

Remove from heat and place pasta in serving bowl. Crumble goat cheese over the top of the pasta, season with salt and pepper and toss.

These patty pan squash are nice hearty replacement to meat. If you can’t find patty pan, you can use a regular zucchini, just reduce the cooking time as regular zucchini heats through much more quickly.

I hope you enjoy! What are you making with your farmer’s market and fresh garden produce?

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by | August 5, 2011 · 7:49 am

Pink & Gray Sweet Celebration

Growing up, I was not much of a girly girl. My room was always red and black, I had Michael Jordan and Sammy Sosa posters hanging on my wall and pink was not in my wardrobe. As I’ve grown older, pink has snuck itself into my bold colored world. This summer, I was delighted to be hired to throw a beautiful celebration in honor of little Harper Grace. Immediately, I had visions of pink and gray, soft, summery colors and textures with little girly touches. I fell in love with this party and everything girly and I am very excited to share it with you today!

We created a pink candy buffet using rock candy, gumballs, salt water taffy, ribbon candy and lollipops. Guests were also able to take home miniature glass milk bottles filled with pink M&Ms.

Large round gray balloons tied with pink ribbon adorned the entrance to the walkway, which was lined with little white lanterns and pink candles.

Summer floral centerpieces with green hydrangea and pink roses sat atop the tables, alternating with hurricane vases filled with clear glass rock and pink candles.

Guests were able to enjoy the outdoors in wooden Adirondack chairs topped with pink and white polka dot pillows.

A pink and gray Harper Grace pendant banner looped with pink gingham ribbon hung above the sweets table.

Guests enjoyed mini cupcakes from Milwaukee Cupcake Company with flavors including: White Chocolate Raspberry, Pink Champagne and Chocolate Dipped Strawberry.

Guests were able to take their goodies home in translucent pink take out boxes detailed with a monogram sticker to match the invitation and decor.

Guests were also able to enjoy and take home monogrammed sugar cookies.

Even the bathrooms came complete with matching signs for the rest of the party, hung with pink and white polka dot ribbon.

Napkins were tied together with thin polka dot ribbon and a monogram tag.

What a beautiful day it was! A special thanks to Kate at The Home Market and to Milwaukee Cupcake Company, Canopies and Locker’s Florist.

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by | July 29, 2011 · 1:08 pm

And the winner is…

Congratulations to our James Scherbarth art giveaway winner Rae Henderson! Thanks to everyone for entering!

Rae Henderson said: “I like Tybee. It reminds my of my horse field during the winter up in Aurora, MN”

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by | July 25, 2011 · 8:06 am

{Giveaway} James Edward Scherbarth Art and Design

Inspiration can come from so many places. There are very few people I’ve met in life that can turn those inspirations into visual masterpieces, but James Scherbarth is one of them. I’m so happy to introduce everyone to his art and designs. James’ work provides just the touch you might need to tie a room together or an outfit! He has been generous enough to provide us with a giveaway this week. So don’t miss out and enter today! (Details below)

1. Give us a quick bio: Born & raised in Minneapolis,MN; Downers Grove, IL; Atlanta, GA and St Clair, MI.  All that travel gave me the bug so today traveling is one of my favorite pastimes.  It exposed me to so much and introduced me to people from all walks of life and cultures.  I’m also a Vietnam veteran. That experience derailed my intentions to go to art school and to teach, so I wound up “making a living” in telecommunications – traveling and teaching.  After a number of years in the corporate world it was time to do something new, so I came back to the arts.  When not busy making art I serve on two Boards of Directors – one for the Burnsville Visual Arts Society and one for Veterans in the Arts.  I am extremely proud of and gratified by my work in both organizations but particularly with the Veterans group.  I have a large wonderful family (I’m the oldest of seven) spread across the continental US – more travel opportunities.

2. Have you always been interested in the arts?: Always – since I was a young child.  I like making things with my hands, creating something from nothing.  I always had tremendous encouragement from my parents and from a wonderful art teacher early on.

3. Where does your inspiration come from?: Nature – textures, patterns, colors. Language, words, quotes and stories.  I derive inspiration from many sources.  I am particularly drawn to patinas; the marks and layers wrought by time and natural forces.  Think: lichens and moss on rocks, weathered copper, rust, peeling paint, old wood…etc.  Fellow artists that I am meeting and working with also are an important influence on my development and perception of my work.

4. You dabble in lots of different art, what is your favorite?: I currently work in oil+wax painting (also acrylics and mixed media), digital montages and art jewelry.  I am constantly photographing images for use in the digital montages or just as a reference for my other work.  I have self-published two books Echoes Off The Wall (Oaxacan Photos) and Digital Daydreams 1.0 (digital montages).  As far as a favorite art form – it would the one that I am working in at any given moment.   Today it has been oil+wax; tomorrow it will be art jewelry as I have a deadline to meet.  Don’t ask me to choose ‘cuz I love‘m all!

5. Any words of wisdom for our readers?  I will share with you a mantra and a signature that I am fond of and use constantly myself.  The mantra is: Now, Today, Don’t Wait Anymore. And the signature is: Be Well, Be Creative.

6. How can we obtain your work? Currently inquiries regarding availability, pricing & shipping for art or jewelry found on my website www.jamesedwardscherbarth.com should be emailed to me at jes@jamesedwardscherbarth.com. I should soon be announcing a partnership with an online art platform to present my 2D artworks and my art jewelry. Once established that will provide a quick and easy eCommerce option.

GIVEAWAY!

James is giving away one of two options for us this week: Either an autographed copy of his “little red book” entitled Just Three Words OR a signed print of his oil + wax abstract landscape Sedona (print size approx. 6.5×6.5 on 8.5×11 archival paper). Simply visit www.jamesedwardscherbarth.com and view his work. Leave us a comment telling us your favorite piece. The winner will be chosen at random. The winner will be announced Friday, July 29th. For an extra vote, Like Us on Facebook! Good luck!

Just Three Words by James Edward Scherbarth

Sedona

If you live in the Minneapolis area and would like to see James’ work, visit The Great Frame-Up in Burnsville, MN. Selected items from his Timeless Layers collection will be on display through August 11.

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