Book Business Tuesday: From Childhood

When I visited with my family back in January, my mom brought me a large box of my childhood books. It included some of my all-time favorites that she had been keeping safe for me while I moved from one small apartment to the next. There is plenty of Robert McCloskey, Eric Carle, Richard Scarry, Dr. Suess and Babar.

I have especially fond memories of this version of Mother Goose with illustrations by Gyo Fujikawa. And I can remember devouring several Mary Poppins books cover-to-cover, while sick in bed as a youngster. 

Isn't it fun what memories books can hold?!

Blackout Cake

Happy Monday, people! Guess what? I baked you a cake. Yes, that's right — a cake. A luscious, layered chocolate cake.

At the beginning of each year I have a tendency to make big promises here on the blog … and then proceed to immediately forget and/or ignore them. In 2010, I declared it the year of cake. I had never made what I termed a "grown-up" cake and stated that I would do so in 2010. I did not.

This year, I promised I would post a recipe a week. I did kinda okay in January: Paris Mushroom Soup, Chicken Tinga Tacos, Challah Bread. I even made it into the first week of February: Butter Chicken. Then, boom: Nada. Nothing. *sigh.*

You'd think I would learn. I wanted to make it up to you with a cake. A real, tried-and-true grown-up cake. My first tried-and-true grown-up cake. This is a rich, dense chocolate cake—not for the faint of heart, which I know you are not.

Chocolate Blackout Cake
via Food & Wine

CAKE
1 stick unsalted butter, softened, plus more for the pan
2 1/4 cups cake flour, plus more for dusting
1/4 cup solid vegetable shortening
2 cups sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder (See Note)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk

FILLING
3 cups water
2 1/2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1 1/2 cups unsweetened natural cocoa powder (See Note)
2/3 cup cornstarch
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

1. MAKE THE CAKE Preheat the oven to 375°. Butter two 9-inch round cake pans and coat lightly with flour. Line the bottoms with parchment paper. In a standing electric mixer fitted with the whisk, beat the 1 stick of butter with the shortening until creamy. Add the sugar and beat at medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well between additions. Add the vanilla. At very low speed, beat in the cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the 2 1/4 cups of cake flour and the milk in 3 separate alternating batches, scraping down the side and bottom of the bowl occasionally.

2. Divide the cake batter between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the center of the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Let the cakes cool for 15 minutes, then invert them onto a rack and let cool completely.

3. MEANWHILE, MAKE THE FILLING In a large saucepan, combine 2 1/2 cups of the water with the sugar, corn syrup and cocoa powder and bring to a boil, whisking constantly. In a bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the remaining 1/2 cup of water until smooth; whisk into the cocoa mixture. Cook over moderately high heat, whisking constantly, until very thick, 3 minutes. Off the heat, whisk in the butter, vanilla and salt. Scrape the filling into a bowl and press a sheet of plastic wrap onto the surface of the filling. Let cool, then refrigerate until firm, 45 minutes.

4. Using a serrated knife, halve each cake layer horizontally. Break up the less attractive top cake layer and transfer to a food processor; pulse into crumbs. Reserve the two cake bottoms and one smoother top.

5. Set one of the cake bottoms on a cake plate and spread with 1 1/2 cups of the filling. Top with the second bottom layer and another 1 1/2 cups of filling. Cover with the cake top and spread the remaining filling all over the top and side. Pat the crumbs all over the cake. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

VW Bus Food Truck

I was recently asked to draw a VW bus as food truck by a sweet gentleman to give to his girlfriend for her birthday. She runs The Sweet Life by Rachel catering and dreams of owning a food truck much like this one to spread her baked sweetness into the world. Fingers crossed that she does it as I'd like to see this riding around town!

J & P General in Savannah

I'm super excited to be a part of the launch festivities for J&P General's new web site that kicks off tomorrow, February 28. J&P is based in Savannah, Georgia and run by Katie Culler who is working to provide an outlet for emerging artists and crafters to showcase their work and find an audience. To celebrate the launch of the new site, Katie has organized a gathering of work that will be on view through the weekend.

Platypusfile

Claw & Bone Artworks

Christi Reiterman

Judging from the previews on the J&P General Facebook page, the offerings are going to be amazing. I've sent along some goodies and there is original work from Janae Easton of Platypusfile, screenprinted pillows from Kelley Hagemes of Claw & Bone Artworks, jewelry from Christi Reiterman, terrariums from Greenworks and much more. If you're in the area—or know someone who is—be sure to check out this unique and limited collection.

Book Business Tuesday: Covers

I am as much a fan of book cover design as I am of books themselves. From the legendary larger-than-life Chip Kidd (whom I heard speak at a design conference once and think of as the David Sedaris of the book design world) to Barbara deWilde and Carol Devine Carson, from Gabriele Wilson to my favorite designer of all, Roberto de Vicq Cumptich, I love to flip to the inside of the back cover flap and see who is responsible. I thought for this week's Book Business, I'd show you some of the covers I've been pinning. At the bottom of the post are a few links to interesting book-related sites, blogs and articles. Enjoy! 

• The Book Cover Archive

• The New York Times Favorite Book Covers of 2012

• The Casual Optimist: A blog about books, book design, book culture and publishing.

• Judging Books by their Covers 2013: U.S. vs. UK

Home project: New door

Tada! I've been hinting at it on Facebook and showing little peaks on Instagram, but now the boy and I finally have a new rolling door hanging and ready to show you. It was a new year's post last year where I first showed you some of the inspiration shots I had pinned on my Home board on Pinterest for a sliding barn door type thing between our living room and bedroom.

We had switched some doors around so that we no longer had the split louvered doors seen above (from inside the bedroom) ... but still wanted something a little more fun and that would gain us some floor space in the bedroom.

If you've researched the hardware for these things, you know that they are pricey. More than we wanted to spend. So the boy found a local welder who agreed to fabricate it for us. He did a great job, we supported a local guy and saved a little bit of cash. 

Next up, we bought cheap lumber (since we were painting it anyway) and the boy built the door itself. Here's a look at it while we figured out the hanging scenario. Because of the uneven lines of the logs, nothing appears level even when the equipment is telling you it is. Constant refrain: "Are you sure?"  

And here's it is open and closed -- it slides right over the bookcase. I debated with myself over the color for ages. Bright school bus yellow? Dusky blue? Charcoal grey? I am really happy with this lovely blue-grey shade we settled on: Benjamin Moore's New Born's Eyes (cheeseball, much?!). It really pulls the room together nicely.

We still have to pick out hardware but that's just the icing. Hooray for DIY! We're at work on a kitchen floor project, so stay tuned for that one (it could be a few months yet!)

Logo design: Type the Knot

Have you noticed the recent trend of typewriters being used at weddings or events? Cute little vintage vignettes set up for guests to type up a message to the bride and groom. I think it's such a sweet, charming idea.

I recently worked with Ryan Adney—an English teacher in Arizona who uses typewriters in the classroom—on a logo for his new business: Type the Knot. I've written about Ryan before. He is serious typewriter enthusiast who has accumulated quite a collection. Type the Knot offers a fleet of gorgeous old typewriters, beautifully shined up, restored and well-maintained as rentals for weddings and events. If you're in the Phoenix area and are looking for that little extra touch for your wedding, check out Type the Knot.

Shop local: The Artisan's Bench

Whew! It's Friday afternoon and what a week. It started with a project I've been itching to tell you about and now finally can. The installation is complete of a large display of my work at my favorite hometown store: The Artisan's Bench in Brighton. 

Owner Colin Miller took over the space from his parents a couple of years ago and has been slowly transforming it from a rug gallery to a gallery focusing on Michigan-made art, objects and more. (All while continuing to stock an amazing selection of gorgeous rugs.)

Colin had this wood and metal display custom built for the shop. Though I caught quite a bit of glare in this photo, it gives you a good sense of the impact of the piece when you walk in the door—not to mention a good sense of Colin's aesthetic sensibilities. Amazing! 

Katie, a recent graduate from CCS who works with Colin, has a wonderful eye and tackled the installation once I delivered all the pieces. I could not be happier to be in such capable hands.

If you're in the area, stop in and have a look around. I have a hard time not walking out with something new every time I visit, but it's so nice to have a local spot where I can go to support other local artists. Thanks so much to Colin and Katie for including my work in the mix and doing such a phenomenal job on the display. 

Eight Emperors

Before we bought our house, the boy and I lived in a borderline seedy apartment complex in Ann Arbor. What it lacked in physical charm, however, it made up for in neighbors. We jokingly referred to it as Melrose Place. Very jokingly. Two of the most creative of our neighbors—Thea Augustina Eck and Matthew Shlian—recently launched Eight Emperors, a new art and design collection featuring small objects of paper and wood.

"Objects that instill a sense of wonder." Yes, indeed. Everything about this endeavor speaks to clean, simple elegance. From the sleek, sphoisticated black-and-white logo and web design to the thoughtful, handmade beautifully-crafted objects they make and sell, Matthew and Thea got it right.

Eight Emperors just announced the launch of their affordable art subscriptions series. For just $200 plus shipping, you receive a new art and design object quarterly delivered right to your door. The series will include objects in paper, wood, ceramic and a collaboration piece combining paper and wood.

I'm especially drawn to the wood objects referencing water: sails, whales, anchors. Mmmm. These are objects you want to pick up, hold, feel the weight of in your hand. I'm so excited for these local artists and can't wait to see their collection grow and evolve.

Book Business Tuesday: Phantom Limb

Phantom Limb: The Stuff You're Missing. And how! I am loving the new items listed in Stephanie Tardy Duimstra's Etsy shop, the Phantom Limb. She's gone all out with cute map, graph paper and lead pencil styling to highlight her line of eco-friendly journals and recycled paper goods. 

I'm especially drawn to the greeting cards made with maps. Stephanie must have an amazing stash of papers: old ledger sheets, penmanship learning sheets … where does she find this stuff?! It's pure gold.

I've seen Stephanie's journals, cards and more in person many times and can tell you that they are impeccably crafted. I think I may have to head over right now and fill my shopping cart!

Show time: VLNTNSDY MRKT

Come feel the love at the upcoming VLNTNSDY MRKT! (No vowels allowed.) This Thursday,  from noon to 7 p.m., I'll be joining an amazing group of vendors at the future home of pot & box Detroit. Located on Michigan Avenue just past Roosevelt Park, the site is an old gas station and is sure to be decked out with pot & box pizazz and charm. Come on down for all your heart, love, flower, food, art, festivities needs. You can RSVP and see the full list of vendors and other details over on the Facebook event page.

Society of Killustrators

There exists a merry band of illustrators who are just killing it: The Society of Killustrators. A group founded to "hone a craft, further a trade, and stay in contact," the SOK regularly posts imaginary illustration assignments.

Started as an invite-only group, they recently opened up the assignments to anyone who wants to play along — similar to Illustration Friday, though they do still send out invites. I was honored to receive one to participate in their last assignment: Beer Macaroni and Cheese packaging. You can read more about the assignment here (including the real recipe) and see the results here.

The newest assignment is for an editorial illustration to accompany an article about thieves caught stealing $65,000 worth of chicken wings. Can't wait to see what happens with this one!

Mmmmm, Butter Chicken

Okay, so we're into February now. You've done your juice cleanse, you've been working out like you promised yourself you would … but your resolve is wavering and it's still winter. You're ready for a little hearty comfort. 

This butter chicken is the answer, my friends. It starts with a healthy spice-filled yogurt marinade for the chicken but then is finished with a heart-warming, soul-satisfying cream and butter-ladened sauce the most beautiful color of orange you've ever seen on a cold winter's day. The  fresh curry leaves are a bit hard to come by, but if you're in the Ann Arbor area, you can find them —and everything else you need might need, i.e. cheap cardamom — at Bombay Grocers on Packard.

Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhanwala)

via Saveur

Serves 4.

FOR THE CHICKEN:
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp. canola oil
2 tsp. garam masala
1 tsp. crushed red chile flakes
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 3-inch piece ginger, peeled and thinly sliced crosswise
Kosher salt, to taste
1 3–4-lb. chicken, cut into 8 pieces, skin removed

FOR THE RAITA:
1/2 English cucumber (about 6 oz.), seeded and grated
1/2 medium tomato, seeded and finely chopped
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 cup plain yogurt
1 1/2 tbsp. roughly chopped fresh mint leaves
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp. ground coriander
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 medium carrot, finely grated

FOR THE SAUCE:
1 tsp. crushed red chile flakes
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 green cardamom pods, cracked
3 whole cloves, crushed
1 28-oz. can whole peeled tomatoes, undrained
1 3" piece ginger, washed and grated (skin on)
1 bay leaf
1/3 cup heavy cream
4 tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into 1/2" cubes
1 tsp. garam masala

4 fresh or frozen curry leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Marinate the chicken: Combine all marinade ingredients except for chicken in a food processor; purée. Transfer marinade to a large bowl and add chicken, tossing to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 500° F. 

Transfer chicken to an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet and spoon any marinade from bowl over chicken. Bake until light brown but not cooked through, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a rack; set aside. 

Meanwhile, make raita: Toss cucumbers, tomatoes, and salt in a colander and let sit for 10 minutes. Press cucumbers and tomatoes to drain well and then transfer to a medium bowl along with yogurt, mint, lemon juice, coriander, cumin, and carrots; toss to combine. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 1 hour.

Make the sauce: In a 6-qt. pot over medium-high heat, combine chile flakes, garlic, cardamom, cloves, tomatoes, ginger, bay leaf, and 2/3 cup water. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook, stirring often and crushing tomatoes with a spoon, for 25 minutes. Discard bay leaf and transfer sauce to a food processor; purée. Return sauce to pot and continue cooking over medium-low heat until thickened slightly, about 15 minutes. 

Add reserved chicken pieces and any marinade from pan, along with 1/3 cup water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Stir in cream, butter, garam masala, and curry leaves. Reduce heat to low and cook until flavors meld, about 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and keep warm.

To serve, transfer chicken and sauce to a serving platter and serve with the raita.

Book Business Tuesday: Recommendations

As you might remember, I am participating in the Fifty-Fifty challenge to read fifty books and watch fifty movies this year. I'm nine books and eleven movies in and thought I'd take this Book Business Tuesday to share with you some recommendations from my recent reads.

Two of these are from last year's reading list, but that doesn't really matter, does it? Now, I'm no great book reviewer, so I won't bore you with some sad attempt at it. There are plenty of those over at Amazon. I will just give you a brief overview and tell you I loved these books. Do with that info, what you will …

 Mr. Penumbra' 24-Hour Bookstore
by Robin Sloan

For all you book and bookstore lovers out there. A fun, fast story about the intersection and overlap of old knowledge and new technology filled with musty bookstores and literary intrigue. It even has geeky graphic design type nerd references. Charming.

Tell the Wolves I'm Home 

by Carol Rifka Brunt

I won't lie: I picked this one up for the gorgeous cover. It was done by the ultimate book designer to my mind: Roberto de Vicq de Cumptich. Perfection. So then to have to story live up to this great design — and then some — was such a nice surprise. Wonderful character development of two lonely people who find each other through the most unlikely of circumstances.

The Widower's Tale

by Julia Glass

And speaking of character development, no one does it better than Julia Glass. Ever since Three Junes, (still my favorite of her books) I have been a devoted Glass fan. She has a way of weaving together multi-generational family sagas like no other. 

The Cookbook Collector

by Allegra Goodman

It's funny—this one brings us full circle back to the first. It, too, brings together the worlds of new technology and old knowledge bookstores but in quite a different fashion. A story of two sisters a bit list in the world and the ways in which they get found and find themselves.

And there you have, from a true fiction junkie. 

Yellow Door Art Market

I'm very pleased to announce that you can now find Sloe Gin Fizz at the Yellow Door Art Market in Berkley.

I had such a fun time thrifting for and planning the space. I have lots of other little tweaks I want to make to it, so I plan on it being a constantly changing beast. Having a more permanent space also means I can offer a whole slew of framed pieces for super convenient grab-and-go gift giving. Stop by if you're in the area and let me know what you think!