100% Success

It's here! The big day. Last week was busy but I wasn't to worried about the party. It wasn't until Saturday (the day of) that I started to panic. We had to pick up a pig, last minute groceries, prepare for a tractor pull, setup horse shoes, prepare the food, set the tables and tidy up. Will we have enough beer? Will we have enough ice? Is the pig thawed? How long do we need to cook it? These were all pressing matters. Needless to say, they are important when you live 20 miles from the nearest box store and you have 30 people on their way. Even amongst all the stress of hosting, I had a swell time. A few cups of Sangria and I was a social butterfly. The pig was delicious and we had more than enough to drink. What a great turn out- worth all the work. My parents enjoyed getting to see family and old friends. After the sun descended it was a beautiful evening. It was all I'd hoped for-they deserve it. We're talking about two people, 50 years, 28 years of marriage and lots of hard work and love. Three cheers! I did find time to build/paint a sign. Getting his roast on! I wish you could have seen us wrestle that beast onto that spit. It was a family affair. Speaking of the spit or rotisserie, my dad led the crew over at DZ in construction. I have to send some praise to my dad, Andy, and Cole for busting that thing out in a week (not that they didn't have six months but those Zorns work best under pressure). Impressive.Nearly edible. The skin turned the most beautiful caramel color. I couldn't wait to sink my teeth in. It also smelled sensational, the whole production was amazing. I did work in some food bowls. They were rushed and impulsive, but effective none-the-less. I do plan on elaborating on this concept very soon. The spread in its beginning stages. People had already began to gather-plate in hand. There's what we're missing, the corn! "Come on lil lady." My parents accounted for lots of folks and little cooking space. A propane boiler, who'd a thunk?

The 50-50 frontier was fantastic-beyond my wildest dreams. Some Oklahoma weather, cold beer, country cookin' and extraordinary company. I also setup a sideshow of my parents from childhood-present. I spent days gathering photos and scanning them. 186 photos later, we all gathered on the porch after sunset and laughed at times past between Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Zorn. The following day,June 6, my parents woke up to 28 years of marriage. It was a packed weekend, full of fun and marvelous memories. I wish we could do it every weekend. Everything in moderation=appreciation. Here's to 100 years, and counting!

Countless Cupcakes

Last week Barb and I had a cupcake lab. We attempted this recipe. I've tried it before with a white cake mix but this time we decided to go by the book. It calls for a 'chocolate cake mix' so I bought 'milk chocolate.' If I could go back I would have bought the devils food for more contrast. Even still, they were tasty.

Barb is spoiled. She has a kitchenaide mixer! The little cupcakes are bite sized and a favorite for the vain. It made nearly 7 dozen! This was no easy feat, given the petite oven. Again, looking back, I would have done half the mix tiny and resorted to traditional size to finish it up. The icing is sinfully orange. Good thing they're on small scale. This is a terrible photo but I thought I would document them in all their glory. The presentation was sub par but the day of the party was non stop. No time to be a perfectionist. In addition to the chocolate-orange cuppies, Barb whipped up some pistachio filled cupcakes. Yes, filled! She baked them, pulled a plug and filled them with pistachio pudding. These were gourmet. Something you'd pay 3.50 a piece. She garnished them with pistachios, they were almost to pretty to eat. It's love at first bite!

We had a great time baking together and we plan on many-a-more cupcake labs. Experimentation and brainstorming is full fledged! What is your dream cupcake?

Super Green

As many of you may know, I've become quite the food enthusiast (I use the word 'food' broadly- It encompasses libations and typically, anything consumable). It all began in 2010. I kicked off the new decade with a trip to San Francisco where my appreciation and obsession with food was conceived. My cousins (who graciously put me up for ten days) are incredible cooks. They get together and make exciting dishes each night. It's like a party, and the results are extraordinary. Better than anything you could pick up ready made.

I was completely inspired. Food is art. Prepping and planning takes patience. My cousins managed to turn a chore (for most) into a social event. The woman wasn't slaving in the kitchen while the man propped his feet up. No, no, it was a family occasion. It's things like this that support their 13 years of marriage (and counting). Aside from being impressed by their mad cooking moves, I decided my partner must love cooking/food just as much as they love art.

Food is so exciting-the possibilities are endless and I want to chase them all! With the 50-50 Frontier Party in clear site, I've been thinking about food presentation. Again, just another aspect of the creativity involved in the culinary arts. Food bowls. Not a new concept but practical and aesthetically pleasing. And, it's green. It's either edible or compostable, no land fills! I'm also trying to cut back on simple carbs so substituting complex carbs for a tortilla or buns is another bonus. Again, win-win. And, we can't forget dessert!

Proportions are also interesting. Just think about the size, texture, smell, etc. Such variety in food containers. I plan on having a watermelon bowl packed full of summertime fruit for the party but I may branch out. Time permitting, you may see some food sculpture! If not this weekend, later this June! I'm going to reinvent the typical, plastic picnic plate this summer!

Paseo and More

Last weekend marked the 34th Annual Paseo Arts Festival. I attended Sunday, it was nearly sweltering but I didn't mutter a word of complaint. I'm a sun whore. I soak it up, squinting and sweaty. It doesn't even have to be anything to enticing. You could call me up to help you move bricks and I'd oblige just for the opportunity in the sun.

Needless to say, art, music, festival, I'm there. This was by far, the most unimpressive art festival I've been to this year. While I like the Paseo, I just didn't feel the quality was there. I'm not really into red tape and super high standards but I don't like seeing cheap, china made crap being pedaled as 'art.' The inclusion of such garbage just degrades any credibility that the festival may have had. I've been in the passed and remember being quite pleased (even purchased goods) with the festival. Hopefully this year was just a fluke. I'm waiting. . . looking forward to the future artist of the Paseo. I have high expectations. It's such a rich and eclectic district, I'd hate to see it take a landslide. Beautiful day for popcycles and art.Even if the objects at the festival were sub-par, the crowd was entertaining and I was graced with invaluable company. We could make Gitmo fun! I rounded out the weekend at the Deli. I'll fess up, here and only here, I'm a bar fly. It's official. Hosty wins my heart. "But wait! Tomorrow is the real deal, Memorial day? I'm closing this joint down!" It was a packed house, a line out the door. Max capacity Memorial Day 2010! A knee slappin'- boot scootin' hootenanny! I thought having Monday free I'd relax, and recover from my shake. Nope, I washed two cars, waxed one and made a pinata. Hosty, take that! I'll be ready next Sunday! Are you sold? Hope so. That's all I've got, party prep has commenced! T-4 days.

Memorial Day 2010

I celebrated Memorial Day last Saturday. My grandparents were out at their acreage so I towed out Saturday, had a bite and lazed in the sun. Aside from memorializing legends, we also praised my grandpa's latest addition- A huge pond. I conducted a rain dance in hopes that I can have a paddle boat in it by next summer. It has potential to be 20' deep and span the width of a football field. Zorn Lake. Photos do no justice-lack depth. You will just have to place faith in my measurements. We had a good time. Sparks OK. Why did the chicken cross the road...? Why ? To travel Route 66, of course!

Afterward, I hit the turnpike and headed up to Guthrie for a wedding. It was the wedding of all weddings! The wedding took place at The Sand Plum. It was beautiful. I felt like I had been thrown back in time, splendid and surreal. Being my first stop in Guthrie, I've decided another trip to Guthrie is in order. I gifted these chair sashes for the bride and groom: I thoroughly enjoyed the ceremony and reception, it was completely genuine and romantic. It was the first wedding I've attended where I've felt strongly about the longevity of the relationship. You could just feel their glow! Congrats to Kate and Kris! Wishing you countless, happy years!

Chocolate

Everyone loves chocolate, right? Well, maybe not (I don't like absolutes) but one thing is sure, most people like free. Free chocolate! It draws masses. I witnessed the phenomenon that is 'free chocolate' last Friday. The Sam Noble Museum of History was celebrating their 10th year of operation and they kicked it off with mounds of chocolate and a new chocolate exhibit. Being an avid follower of gourmet foods and frugality, I was there! The bison was in high spirits, even though he felt like a fool in that ridiculous hat! He welcomed the attention. Ten years of celebrating years past. When/IF I commit to anything for ten years, I expect a chocolate fountain to commemorate my efforts. The Mammoth wasn't as embarrassed about his hat. He was enamored by the balloons.
Doing the director good! He would have been proud. The lines were endless. I was speechless when I saw the crowds. What a party! The best way to purchases publicity is through hungry mouths. Free sweets is where it's at!

New

It's June! Already. BAM! I usually feel refreshed at the beginning of a new month but today was like a slap in the face, or a cold shower. June 1, really? Merely days away from the party of 2010 and I feel defeated. I'm worried, and my lists are longer than Santa's. Take that, fat man! June will be a month of sun, soirees, stories and The Black Keys.
I purchased their latest album, "Brothers" and it's been on constant repeat ever sense. It lowers blood pressure, creates smiles full of teeth. Check it out, be amazed. I'm not far from a Memorial Day weekend recap. Stay tuned, jam a little!