New Work

I had some moments of fashion inspiration last night
and did these new pieces. I'm happy with the way the
minimal color is working with the black line.
I'm considering making these available as prints in my store.
Stay tuned.

Baked Blossoming Turnips

Here is February's second delicious recipe created by Sung.

Baked Blossoming Turnips

Like other members of the mustard family, turnips breaks up mucus and detoxifies the body due to its sulfur content, a purifying element. This recipe is based on a French side dish of turnips roasted with an herbed butter. Deep incisions cut into the turnips, helps cook the dense root, creating a beautiful, sculptural delight with an unusual sweet yet slightly pungent taste.

Ingredients:

6 C water for blanching

2 lbs turnips

(approx 12 small or 8 medium)

2 TBSP butter, small cubes

3 TSBP parlsey, chopped

1 tsp course salt

1/4 tsp white pepper

juice of 1 lemon

zest from lemon

2 tsp brown sugar

• Preheat oven to 400F
• Bring water in a medium saucepan to boil
• Clean, cut roots and stem base, and peel
• If using small turnips, make a deep criss-cross incision at the root end of the turnip
• If using larger sizes, half or quarter turnips, lay on flat side and add some deep, parallel incisions on the round side
• Place turnips in boiling water for 3-5 minutes
• In a large mixing bowl, combine butter, course salt, white pepper, & parsley
• Drain turnips and toss in butter mixture while warm allowing the butter to melt and seep into the incisions
• Place flat side or base side down on a baking tray
• Cook in oven until flesh begins to soften, approx 20-25 minutes
• Meanwhile, combine sugar, lemon, & zest, spoon this mixture over turnips
• Bake for another 10 minutes, until the edges of the cuts are slightly brown and the flesh is fully softened
• Serve immediately

I'm Back

Following an amazing break in the Dominican Republic
I'm back in chilly Brooklyn wondering why I live here.

It was an incredible vacation exploring remote beaches
and countryside, eating wonderful local food and swimming
in the clearest sea. I have endless inspiration for many illustrations
which you'll see develop over the next few weeks.
For now, check out these wonderful hand painted signs.
I document these whenever I go traveling and intend to integrate
them into my new work.

I'm off

So, on the craziest blizzard of the year I'm counting the hours until
I'll be on this beach. It's winter recess and we went here 2 years ago
and had the best vacation ever. So at 7am we're supposed to be
flying off there for 8 days except I'm very doubtful we'll make it out.
Hence, no blogs until I return on the 21st.

AND THE WINNER IS

Merium.
Thanks so much for all your wonderful
date ideas. MMM, you even gave me some inspiration
to go and do something different with my lovely husband.

February's First Seasonal Recipe

Sweet Tart Soup

This soup made with butternut squash makes for a truly satisfying meal:
it's creamy yet doesn't use milk, hearty yet light, and sweet and savory.
The addition of a tart apple to balance the overall sweetness of the squash
adds a subtle complexity to the soup. Because the squash is a great
canvas for flavors,it can withstand lots of experimenting;
add herbs, spices, cheese, ground nuts and seeds,
or work with ethnic ingredients to add variety.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 rib of celery, chopped
• I carrot, chopped
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 medium-sized butternut squash, peeled, seeds removed, medium dice
• 1 tart green apple, peeled, cored, chopped
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• Pinches of nutmeg, salt and pepper

possible garnishes: roasted pumpkin seeds, ricotta cheese,
gorgonzola cheese, sliced apples, herbed croutons.

METHOD

• Cook butter, onion, celery, and carrot in large saucepan for 5 minutes
• Add squash, apple, and broth. Bring to boil.
• Simmer for 10 minutes or until squash is soft
• Let cool for at least 1/2 hour. Use blender to puree.
• Add spices to taste.
• Garnish as desired.
• Serves 4-6.

Remembering Edie Harper

Earlier this week I heard that Edie Harper, wife of the late Charles Harper,
passed away last week. Edie, a talented artist in her own right, was known for
her beautiful illustrations of biblical stories.
For a more in depth look at her life and work visit here.

Dairy Farmer

I spent a lovely hour last week in Union Square taking pictures
at the farmer's market. This man looked so wonderful in his straw
hat and he didn't mind me snapping a shot.
This will be one in a group showing different sellers and their produce.

More From my Food Series

As part of a series of illustrations exploring the local food "movement"
I've been wanting to show the wonderful rooftop farms that are springing up
all over the country.

The most local to New York is in Greenpoint which has some wonderful
education programs for kids. What an amazing thing to be able to learn about
cultivating vegetables and fruit whilst looking high over the roof tops.
Growing Chefs is the specific program that has partnered with Rooftop Farms.

In Memory of Nick Dewar 1973-2010

I have just heard the sad news that illustrator Nick Dewar has passed away.
His amazing talent and humor placed him at the forefront of the illustration industry.
His work is wonderful and will be missed.
My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Valentine Cards Available

Now in my shop and 25% of sales will be donated to
Doctors Without Borders for Haiti.

February 1st Valentine's Giveaway

Seeing as it's the month of romance I thought it appropriate
to offer my Love Cloud print this month as the giveaway.

You may remember that 25% of sales from this illustration
is being donated to Doctors Without Borders for Haiti so
even if you don't win this print, it's still available in my shop
and a wonderful opportunity to give to a much needed
cause.

To enter the competition please comment below on your ideal
dream date with a loved one. The winner will be picked out of
a hat Monday February 8th so have fun and go wild with your
fantasy date !!