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 | January 7, 2011 · 7:56 am

Creating a Writer’s Nook

My new year’s resolution: finish the novel.

I have a near complete novel that I’ve slowly been editing for over a year now. 2010 was supposed to end with a finished product, but the little bugger took up most of the year…and I am okay with that. So this year, I have one goal. Finish the novel. Amongst the chaos of brightly colored pieces of plastic that make unbearably loud noises, I decided I needed a little inspiration corner. A small space where I could clear my head and write.

I used to work from home, but my office was made over into a nursery. My desk and office supplies were moved to the basement and have been haphazardly piled over the past year. Slightly embarrassing to share, but I take comfort in knowing with near certainty that I am not the only one with a space like this one.

To be able to clear my head, I first needed to clear this space. Some things were put in storage, some were filed and many were thrown away. I cleared the desk leaving only a few things, leaving plenty of room to spread out if need be.

I moved the desk to the other side of the wall and angled it, creating a more private space. A soft bamboo throw covers the chair, along with a nice warm cup of coffee from my new Keurig coffee maker (sidebar: I love k-cups! Get one.)

A few writer’s tools: a dictionary, a baby name book and The Artist’s Way by Julie Cameron. A fresh vase of flowers lightens the dark basement mood as well as a winter scented candle. An iPod docking station can play some of my favorite writing music like Josh Groban (don’t judge me) and Death Cab for Cutie.

I used a cork and marker board to serve as inspiration boards and planning tools. I hung a favorite picture from my high school photo class and a few newspaper clippings, along with some other fun finishes.

And there it sits, the first draft with lots of scratches and notes. I look forward to tackling this big and exciting project this year and hope that 2011 concludes with a completed product!

Try creating a quiet corner in your house for whatever it is that lights your fire. No plastic noisemakers aloud.

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by | December 31, 2010 · 8:45 am

Best Haute Posts of 2010

2010, what a great year it’s been! We are so grateful to have shared this past year with you. We’ve learned so much and plan to use that knowledge to bring you bigger, better ideas in 2011.

So to bid 2010 adieu, we thought we would leave your (and our) favorites:

Top 10 Posts of 2010

10. Babies, babies, babies! With the arrival of Lincoln James this year, Stef was lucky enough to experience these two fabulous baby showers: Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My! and the Bird’s Nest Baby Shower

9. Two words: goat cheese. Mix it up with Anne’s Goat Cheese, Apple and Pine Nut Pizza.

8. No need to spend mega bucks buying a wreath for your door. Katie’s Fall Berry Wreath or Stef’s Winter Sweater Wreath provide a great look on the cheap.

7. Who knew brussel sprouts were so hot right now? Braised Brussel Sprouts with Bacon.

6. Kiddos love the Pink and Brown Ladybug Party and the Campfire Birthday Party.

5. Apparently everyone is asking at parties around the country: Have you tried the grape salad?

4. Move over Pottery Barn. DIY Moss Topiary for a fraction of the cost.

3. Wedding bells took over June on Haute Apple Pie with a Naughty and Nice Bachelorette Party and a Summertime Lemonade Shower.

2. As featured with our friends over at Foodpress.com: Chicken and Black Bean Chili

1. We have some eager to learn readers. Katie’s How to: Refinish a Dresser and Anne’s How to: Painting Kitchen Cabinets (as seen on Freshly Pressed) were a big hit!

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by | December 30, 2010 · 8:19 am

Peanut Butter Snowball Mix

If you are headed off to a New Year’s Eve party this year cannot figure out what to bring, think about putting together this yummy Peanut Butter Snowball Mix. This mix has been a staple in my family for as long as I can remember. It is cheap, easy and very addicting. You only need four ingredients:

Ingredients:
1 box Peanut Butter Capt’n Crunch cereal
1 bag mini marshmallows
1 1/2 C dry roasted peanuts
20 oz. white almond bark

In two 9×12 sized pans, mix together first three ingredients. Melt almond bark on stovetop or microwave according to directions. (Make sure to constantly stir or you will end up with a mess!) When it is completely melted, pour over both pans and stir the mix until all ingredients are coated. Continue to stir intermittently for the next 10-15 minutes or until the mix is dry. The mix should cluster.

Place in a serving bowl and enjoy! This is great mix to make a few days ahead of time or right before a party in a pinch.

Thank you for sharing in our fun this past year. We look forward to bringing you some haute new ideas in 2011! If there is something you are dying to see on our site or have any questions for us, please feel free to email us anytime at hauteapplepie@hotmail.com.

Happy New Year!

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by | December 23, 2010 · 9:52 am

{Free Download} Christmas Typography Sign

Only one more sleep ’til Christmas Eve, have you finished your shopping? If you are struggling for a last-minute gift or looking to add a little Christmas cheer to your house, we may just have a solution for you.

I’ve been inspired by the many signs I’ve seen in store and online showcasing the wonderful art of typography. Artistic subway signs always seem to catch my eye. So this Christmas, I decided to make one for myself using all of my favorite Christmastime phrases. And now you can have it to…for free!

To showcase this in your house or to assemble it and give it as a gift, simply download the PDF file here. Print it at home or at your neighborhood printer. You can purchase or create your own mat. I bought a red and white mat at Michaels and inserted it into a simple white metal frame. It found its perfect place propped up on my leaning bookshelf amongst some Christmas nesting dolls.

Wishing all of you a very blessed Christmas, from our haute homes, to yours.

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by | December 17, 2010 · 7:53 am

Holiday Wrap Up: Unique Gift Wrapping Ideas

This Christmas, it’s time to get creative with your wrapping. Regular old paper wrapping can be quite pretty and is no doubt fun to tear off a big old box, but why not spice it up a bit? You might even be able to regift some of those Christmas items you’ve never used on top of giving the fabulous gift you purchased.

A bottle of wine or champagne is a staple gift for a hostess at the holidays or any time of year. This year, ditch the curly ribbon or the brown paper bag it came it and cozy up the bottle with a Christmas sock. Simply slip the wine bottle inside of a holiday sock and use craft ribbon to secure a tag in place around the neck of the bottle. Feel free to bring the extra sock along, or double it up, to give to the hostess the matching pair.

*Used socks need not apply.

Have a smaller box or oddly shaped gift to wrap? Use a holiday tea towel or dish towel for a unique unveiling experience. Just wrap the gift and either knot the towel or use craft ribbon to keep it from unfolding. It is a bonus two gift in one!

If traditional wrapping paper is more your thing, there are lots of tricks you can use to mix it up a bit. This year I decided to buy all solid color wrapping and accessorize with ribbons and other extras.

I love scrapbook paper. It is pretty, cheap, and adds color and patterns in a no fuss kind of way. Using holiday scrapbook paper, add an extra piece of paper around the middle of the box to give it some dimension. Using sparkly ribbon, tie a little something extra on the top like a jingle bell or an ornament.

If you have horrible handwriting like I do, I do everything I can to skirt around writing tags. Try cutting scrapbook paper into the recipients initial and tying it on with a ribbon. You can also print homemade tags on the computer.

And last but not least, if you are saving stamps this Christmas and not sending out a Christmas card, why not make and print a few on your printer at home and attach them to the top of your gift?

All together now…awwwww!

There is nothing wrong with regular wrapping paper and a sticky bow (most likely I will have a few of those too)! But it makes the chore of wrapping gifts a little more fun when you throw some creativity into it.

What do you to do spice up your gifts?

Happy Wrapping!

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by | December 10, 2010 · 7:50 am

{Decorative} Christmas Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

There is no cookie I love more than a huge bakery sugar cookie with royal icing in the shape of something whimsical, like Elmo or the Cubs logo. It is a great cookie for the holidays, or any time of the year, just pick your shape! Have kids patiently awaiting Santa’s visit? Decorate these cookies and make some to leave for the big guy.

Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

Sugar Cookie Ingredients

7 TBSP butter
1/3 C. shortening
1 C. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 C. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, shortening and sugar. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Blend well. Mix in flour, baking powder and salt. Divide dough into 2 balls and wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least one hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough about 1/4 inch thick. Using cookie cutters, cut shapes and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-9 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Royal Icing Ingredients

3 TBSP meringue powder (I purchased mine at Michaels)
6 TBSP warm water
1 tsp vanilla
4 C. powdered sugar
1/4 tsp cream of tartar

Using a whisk attachment on a stand mixer, mix meringue powder and warm water. Blend well. Add vanilla. Slowly add powdered sugar and cream of tartar. Beat on low-speed until glossy and stiff peaks form.

Divide frosting into dishes and add food coloring. Spread on cookies using frosting knife.

Frosting can be put in airtight container and keep for a week or so. Bring it to room temperature before icing.

We hope you’ve enjoyed HAP Holiday Cookie Week! We encourage you to send your favorite cookie recipes our way. If you nothing this week fit your fancy, try one of the other HAP cookie recipes from times past.

Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Black Pepper Shortbread
PB Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Christmas Mice & Others
Classic Shortbread
Gilded Lavender Butter Cookies

Happy Holidays!

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by | December 7, 2010 · 8:05 am

{Spicy} Lemon Ginger Tea Snowballs

When I’m dreaming of a White Christmas, these Lemon Ginger Snowballs are my go-to cookie. The addition of fresh and ground ginger as well as green tea leaves adds an unexpected spice to these pretty treats.

Lemon Ginger Tea Snowballs
Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens

Ingredients

1/2 C shortening
1 TBSP grated fresh ginger
1 TBSP vanilla
1 bag of green tea (I used lemongrass green tea)
1 tsp lemon zest
1 C packed brown sugar
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs
2 1/2 C all-purpose flour
granulated sugar

In a large mixing bowl with a mixer on medium speed, beat shortening, ginger, vanilla, tea and lemon peel until fluffy. (The tea bag should be cut open and you should pour the tea leaves into the bowl dry). Add brown sugar and beat until well combined. Beat in ground ginger, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Beat in eggs. Slowly beat in flour.

Preheat oven to 350. Shape dough into 1/2 to 1 inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar and place on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 9-10 minutes or until lightly brown. Cook for 2 minutes and transfer to wire cooling rack.

This recipe makes about 4 dozen cookies.

Sugar Glaze

To create a sugar glaze, combine 1 1/2 C powdered sugar and 5-6 tablespoons of water until it reaches drizzling consistency. Dip the cookies in glaze. Then coat with chopped coconut, sanding sugar, sprinkles or dust with powdered sugar.

Another yummy thing to try to make these more snowball round would be to spread some cream cheese frosting and stick two cookies together. I didn’t try that this time, but I think I might next time!

Happy Cookie Week!

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by | November 26, 2010 · 6:48 am

DIY Winter Wreath

This may make me less of a haute homemaker and I am a bit reluctant to share this with you, but I have no idea how to sew. This is no exaggeration. I have never threaded a needle, I’ve never sewn a button on a shirt. While I have dreams of winning Project Runway, I know it won’t happen in this lifetime. So while wandering around JoAnn fabrics, I decided to embark upon a quest of creating a winter wreath for my front door. With this wreath, I hope to fool all who enter that I am able to sew.

Possibilities are endless with this wreath. You can use Christmas fabrics and yarn or fall fabrics or all neutrals with burlap for a little bit of a rustic feel.

What you need:

12 inch foam wreath form
3 packages of yarn
floral wire
ball pins
2-3 different types of fabric
scissors

What to do:

Start by wrapping all three packages of yarn around the wreath form. (This is a bit time-consuming, wrap while watching Dancing with the Stars, it goes by faster).

Once the yarn wrapping is completed, begin cutting fabric circles with approximately 4-5 inch diameters. The circles do not need to be perfect. My wreath incorporated 20 or so circles.

To create fabric flowers, pinch middle of circle and gather at the bottom.

Using about an inch and a half of floral wire, wrap it around the bottom of the fabric.

To fix the flowers to the wreath, stick a pin straight through the center of the flower and press into the wreath form.

Alternate patterns. Fix as few or as many flowers as you would like to create the look you want.

To hang the wreath on my front door, I looped a piece of floral wire, twisting it at the bottom, slid a pin through it and inserted into the back of the wreath. If you wish to have it hang lower, you could tie it up using leftover fabric or thick ribbon.

So whether you can sew or not, this wreath may have your friends thinking you can! I plan to have this wreath warm up my front door all winter long.


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by | November 25, 2010 · 6:58 am

HAP is thankful for…

Wishing all of our readers, friends and family a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. We are so blessed in our lives and are very grateful for the big and small things that bring a smile to our faces every day. This year, we at HAP are most thankful for:

spray paint. burlap. Twitter. slow cookers. Le Reve croissants. patient husbands. olive oil. farmer’s markets. butter. Google docs. flea markets. goat cheese. driftwood. immersion blenders. glitter. aprons. homemade pie crust. Etsy. Digital SLR cameras.

and last but definitely not least….YOU!

We are so grateful to our readers for following us, challenging us, encouraging us and allowing us to share a little piece of our hearts, minds and lives with you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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by | November 18, 2010 · 8:23 am

Apple-Cranberry Cobbler with Cheddar Biscuits

No Thanksgiving meal can be complete without dessert! Friend, artist and baker extraordinaire Michael Coates is with us today to share his delicious recipe for Apple-Cranberry Cobbler with Cheddar Biscuits.

A Little Bit about Michael: I work full-time for Rockwell Automation as a Photographer & Senior Designer.  For 6 years now I’ve also ran my own creative business under my name.  I started out doing mostly graphic design work but I’m now a full service business offing photography, web design, commissioned art, and even interior design.  I will be partnering up with a friend quite soon to venture into a dessert focused catering business.  We’re going to offer fine pastries, cakes and tarts to our clients for any kind of event.

My site is under construction for the remainder of this year, but I will be updating my blog quite often.  www.michaelguycoates.com &  http://inklingmgc.tumblr.com

Favorite Thanksgiving Tradition: Thanksgiving is my favorite meal of the year.  I love food flavors in autumn, and I just adore a good turkey.  Being from California, I don’t often get to go home to visit my family, so I have adopted the family of my best friend from college each year.  She has a large family, and it is always entertaining to be part of a “big production Thanksgiving Dinner.”  While I love all of the food during the actual dinner, it’s reinventing the leftovers that I have the most fun with.  Cranberry-Turkey sandwiches, Mashed Potato Pancakes, and roasted vegetable salads have all become cherished leftover dishes.

Apple Pie or Pumpkin Pie?: Apple Pie, hands down.  You can do so much more with it.  Plus I enjoy the amount of time & effort that goes into a home-made apple pie.  I’ve had some amazing varieties, but no Apple Pie will ever beat Mom’s.

Cooking Mantra: Simple and local is best.  If you can’t grow it yourself, find someone who can locally.  It’s cheaper and always tastes better.  As for deserts, don’t layer tons of flavors and textures just to be fancy.  Sometimes just highlighting one or two great flavors delivers the best results.

What are you thankful for this year? I am supported by an astounding group of people.  My parents and best friends have never let me down, and have always been the stability and comfort in my life.  The holiday’s are about celebrating them, and thanking them for their unconditional love.

Apple-Cranberry Cobbler with Cheddar Biscuits

Ingredients
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature, for dish

For fruit filling:
1 cup packed (7 1/2 ounces) medium brown sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon fresh nutmeg
1 cup fresh cranberries
8 large apples (I used Granny Smith & Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4 inch thick (3 1/2 pounds prepped)
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup (2 ounces) unsalted butter

For biscuits:
2 cups (10 ounces) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 cups (4 ounces) grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
1 1/3 cups cold buttermilk, or more as needed
1 tablespoon bakers sanding sugar

Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat the oven to 375° F. Butter a 3-quart baking dish.

For the fruit filling, with your hands, rub the brown sugar, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg together in a large bowl. Add the apples and cranberries and toss to evenly coat. Gently stir in the lemon juice. Pour the filling contents into the prepared pan. Cut the butter into small cubes and scatter over the apples.
Cover the pan with foil and bake in the lower third of the oven for 20 minutes. This gives the apples a jump-start on cooking while you make the biscuits.

To make the biscuits, whisk the flour, tablespoon of granulated sugar, the baking powder, and the salt together in a bowl. Add the cheese and toss until evenly coated. Make a well in the center of the bowl and add the buttermilk. With a rubber spatula or fork, or by hand, stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened. The dough will be shaggy and moist. If the dough seems dry, add a bit more buttermilk, no more than 1 tablespoon at a time.

Take the baking pan out of the oven and remove the foil. Using an ice cream scoop, place the dough atop the fruit, distributing the biscuits evenly. (You should end up with about 9-12 biscuits.) Sprinkle the tablespoon of sugar sanding over the biscuits.

Return the cobbler to the oven (this time without the foil) and bake for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, or until the apples are tender, the juices are bubbling, and the biscuits are golden brown.

Storage: This dessert is best served the day that it is made, but any leftovers can be wrapped in plastic wrap (or foil) and kept at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.

Join the Party!
Got a great Thanksgiving dish or decorating idea? Share a link to your Turkey Day blog post or recipe in the comments or on our Facebook page!

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