Time to Read....

Winter Greetings, Clever Girls!
By now, hopefully, you've packed away all your Christmas decorations for another year, and are settling into the winter routine.  Certainly we are not enduring a season like last year, but the dreary days are definitely here.  The silver lining is this affords us some time to be cozy with cups of tea, stacks of books and a snoozing cat or two, as happy diversions.

I was grateful to receive many lovely books this holiday, and have delved into them with gusto.  A vintage copy of The New Yorker Early Works of Humor has been fabulous, as has War Dogs: Tales of Canine Heroism, History, and Love.  The Art of Eating, by M.F.K. Fisher, a collection of essays that are often more autobiographical or historical than anecdotal musings on food preparation and consumption by one of America's best known food writers.  Did you receive a tome you are loving right now?  Please share in the comments section if it's something you think your fellow Clever Girls should know about.

Downton Abby has started again, and I really look forward to Sunday evenings with the Crawley family.  So much action and drama all with a stiff, British, upper lip, and always while wearing the most perfect attire.  Case in point: Just look at what's coming up on this Sunday's installment (1-25).  As Edith's access to Marigold slips away, news about Gregson arrives. An unwell Thomas returns, Mary meets her match, and police suspicions narrow. Can you stand it!?!  
We have a book at the shop called, A Year in the Life of Downton Abbey;  and it's full of photography and brimming with traditional British recipes for each calendar month, such as Eton mess and sloe gin.  This beautiful book takes us on a fascinating journey through a year in the life of Downton Abbey. I highly recommend it!  Speaking of all things British, be on the lookout for a new series, called, Wolf Hall, coming soon.

A belated Happy New Year to you all...

Holiday Open House Treats...

Recently, we had our annual Christmas Open House at Clever Girl; and everybody had a splendid time.  The band was playing, the cocktails were flowing and the shop was buzzing with the Christmas spirit.  I discovered something that night: I discovered that our customers love caramelized bacon!  

I should have known this would be a hit, because anytime people discover this crunchy, sweet, spicy treat, they go a little bit nuts...  And, wouldn't you know that it's a recipe from Ina Garten?  

Here's what it looks like--and trust me, it disappears quickly, so make PLENTY.  Once you get going, it's easy to keep making batch after batch.  Wiz it up in the food processor (or a mini-prep works just fine, too, if you have one of those.)

Lay out your bacon on a rack and pop that onto a lined baking sheet.  (Hint: Don't let any topping land on the bottom of your pan, it may smoke if you do.)  Pop it in the oven and prepare for the stampede that is guaranteed to follow.

What's so nice about this caramelized bacon is that it's so versatile; great for tailgating, or with martinis at a cocktail party.  Top a burger with this and you'll hear the angels singing softly in the background.  Oh, and be prepared, while it's baking, a pack of dogs may spontaneously appear at your doorstep.

Caramelized Bacon

Gather the goods.  Here's what you need:

½ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
½ cup chopped or whole pecans
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
½ pound thick-sliced applewood-smoked bacon 

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil (for easy cleaning) and place a wire baking rack on top.

Combine the brown sugar and pecans in a food processor and process until the pecans are finely ground. Add the salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper and pulse to combine. Add the maple syrup and pulse again to moisten the crumbs.

Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise and line up the pieces on the baking rack without touching. With a small spoon, evenly spread the pecan mixture on top of each piece of bacon, using all of the mixture. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the topping is very browned but not burnt. If it's underbaked, the bacon won't crisp as it cools.

While it's hot, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and set aside to cool. Serve at room temperature. (The caramelized bacon can be made early in the day and stored at room temperature.)

Recipe from Barefoot Contessa Foolproof: Recipes You Can Trust.

The other item everyone was quite taken with was the cranberry cocktail skewers.  Truly, these couldn't be any easier to make.  We served them with our favorite mix from Stonewall Kitchen (that we conveniently sell both at the store and online, click here) 

These little beauties require only two ingredients and the result is an absolutely stunning little morsel of sweet-tart deliciousness.

Sugared Cranberries

Gather the goods.  Here's what you need:

2 cups sugar, divided
1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries

Directions:

Combine ½ cup sugar and ½ cup water in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in cranberries until well coated. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to wire rack; let dry for at least 1 hour.
Working in batches, roll cranberries in remaining 1½ cups sugar until well coated; let dry for at least 1 hour.

Really, this is so simple.  Store them air tight, and skewer them up as needed.  They look lovely in a bowl, and some people like to serve them as a little nibble on their own.

Gathering with family and friends is such a wonderful part of the season.  Opening your home to others is such a special  gift.   I wish you all a Merry Christmas!  

"P" is for Paperwhites...

One thing I look forward to every early winter is the planting of the paperwhites.  I fill all sorts of bowls and containers with the bulbs, and enjoy the fascinating process of watching them grow.  From rather homely little bulbs, green shoots emerge, followed by the flowering stalks.  The sweet scent greets me every time I pass a container in the house.  

What's especially nice about paperwhites, much like hyacinth bulbs, is that they don't need soil to grow--just a bit of fresh water, and they are quite content.  As they grow taller and taller, I stake them with twigs and twine to keep them upright.  I found a picture on Pinterest and was inspired to top mine up with ornaments.  I love Pinterest, by the way. Check out ours right here.

P. S.  Remember, the Clever Girl Open House

 is THIS Thursday, December 11th, from 5-8 pm.

 We so look forward to seeing you in the shop!  

Small Business Saturday

Here at Clever Girl, we think everyday is a Small Business Day.  However, today

marks the "OFFICIAL"

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY...

As you have probably heard, "Small Business Saturday" is now marked yearly on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  While I certainly applaud the acknowledgement of that day, shopping locally is really done 365 days a year--not just one!  

Here, in Western Springs, we are fortunate to have many independent businesses that offer goods and services to the community. I am also encouraged thought the year by the many, many comments we hear from customers expressing their gratitude that we are here.  So many of you do truly try and "look local first".  It is no coincidence that communities that are thriving have actual downtown shopping areas--it's just a natural part of small town living.  The convenience of avoiding a lengthy trip to the mall, or a pilgrimage to a big-box store is a huge asset.  So, this weekend, and over the next busy weeks of the season, and in all the years ahead, we look forward to seeing you and serving you locally.  It's what it's all about...

Please join us for cider & donuts this Small Business Saturday! 

Thanksgiving Wishes...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

My wish for all of you on this lovely day is the gift of being together, much laughter, happy reflection, and thankfulness as we look ahead...

Ina has done it Again...

It's here!  The latest wonderful cookbook by Ina Garten has hit the shelves here at Clever Girl, and it does NOT disappoint.  We always admire her straight forward, un-fussy approach to entertaining, and this book is packed with hints and tips to ease the job of the hostess.  The focus in Ina's latest book is on preparing dishes ahead of time so that you can be freed up to enjoy your own party.  Certainly her recipes work just as well for informal and family gatherings as well. 

It's not too soon to begin thinking about your Christmas list, and this will be a most welcome gift under the tree, or as a treat to yourself, as you begin to plan your holiday menus and entertaining...

I was at a recent party for a friend; and dessert was served in mini-skillets, which was rustic in it's presentation, but special to receive your own individual little serving.  As I looked through the cookbook, this brownie recipe struck a chord...  If you try it, I'd love to hear what you think!

Skillet Brownies (Serves 4)

• ¼ pound (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 ounces plus ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips, divided
• 1½ ounces unsweetened chocolate
• 2 extra-large eggs
• 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder, such as Nescafe
• 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
• ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 pint vanilla ice cream, such as Haagen-Dazs

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Heat the butter, 4 ounces of the chocolate chips, and the unsweetened chocolate together in a medium bowl set over simmering water just until the chocolate melts. Remove the bowl from the heat and allow to cool for 15 minutes. In a large bowl, stir (do not beat) together the eggs, coffee powder, vanilla and sugar. Stir the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and set aside to cool to room temperature.

In a medium bowl, sift together ¼ cup of the flour, the baking powder, and salt and stir it into the chocolate mixture. Toss the remaining ½ cup of chocolate chips and one tablespoon of flour together in a medium bowl and add them to the chocolate mixture. Spoon the mixture into four individual cast iron skillets (the skillets I use measure 5 inches on the top, 3½ inches on the bottom) and place them on a sheet pan. Bake for 22 minutes exactly. Don’t overbake! A toothpick inserted in the center will not come out clean. Cool slightly and serve warm with a scoop of ice cream.

***Don't Forget!  This cookbook, and oh-so many other goodies are available on our website.  Click here

**Save the date!  Thursday, December 11th is the Clever Girl Christmas Open House--plan to visit and have a bit of Christmas Cheer!

Magic Mittens...

Just in case you've forgotten what "winter" can entail around here, feast your eyes upon this...

With the truly chilly winter weather looming ahead, we feel duty bound to share a magical secret with our fellow Clever Girls.  In case you two don't know each other yet, allow us to introduce you to the Magic Mitten...

While we have no way of knowing what kind of winter we'll be having here in Chicago,  it's a pretty safe bet that at some point it will be cold, and there's going to be some snow, and you are going to need a pair of these mittens.  From the inside out, here's a break-down on the magic part:

• Fully lined in micro-fleece for extreme softness and warmth
• Inside has divided fingers (like a glove)
• Suede outside for secure grip (yes, you can drive in them)
• Adjustable toggle at the wrist means you can keep the wind out

And then we get to the fun part.  The colors.  There are lots to choose from beyond the serviceable Black and Brown.  The Cherry Red is my favorite this season.  So, if you'd like to experience a little magic, head on over and check these out...  And if you're thinking about your Christmas list, these make a truly wonderful gift!

P.S. A side note to our blog readers, the Elves are working overtime, and Christmas will be on display Monday 11-10-14.  Ho ho ho, and here we go!

Best $12.00 EVER!

As we tidied up the shop today, my eye was struck by the glittering, flickering little jewels on the counter. A veritable rainbow of Swarovski crystal colors beamed back at me.  Every color of the spectrum is on that rack; and I was struck that these inexpensive, little earrings are quite possibly the best value in the whole store.  After all, what can you get for $12 anymore?

1/50th of a bottle of #5.....???

A small sip of fun fizzyness.....???

Or maybe a coffee beverage for you and a friend.....???

One movie ticket & a small popcorn.....???

None of those things are going to last...but these will.  A perfect pair of the most sparkly, dazzling, tasteful, not-too-big-not-too-small earrings a girl could ever find.  It's the best way to spend $12.00!  That, Clever Girls, seems quite the bargain!

Click here to see the colors.  For those of you in the area, pop in and look at these little gems in person.  If you're not in our neck of the woods, pick out a few colors from our web site, and we'll dispatch them right to your door.  Best twelve dollars ever!

Maple Meets Bacon...

There's been a yummy development here at Clever Girl.  Maple Bacon Onion Jam has found its way onto the shelves, and into our hearts.  What can we say?  This stuff is really good.  

So far we've tried this with a baked brie and on a roasted pork loin, but my favorite is this "pizza" recipe.  Cut it into tiny little squares and serve as a starter with a really cold, crisp Riesling and presto; you've got a party...

Savory Jam Pizza

Gather the goods.  Here's what you need:

• 1 12-inch prepared pizza crust
• 1/3 cup Maple Bacon Onion Jam 
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 thin strips prosciutto, sliced crosswise
• 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 Tablespoon pine nuts, toasted
• 1/2 cup loosely packed arugula

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
Place crust on a baking sheet. Spread jam over crust. Evenly distribute the red onion, prosciutto, and goat cheese over crust. Bake for 10-15 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Remove from oven. Top with arugula, cut and serve immediately.

With layers of robust flavor, this artfully crafted and savory combination of spices, sweet brown sugar, apples, shallots and bits of real bacon is a versatile pantry essential.  Try this on your next burger, or over a grilled chicken breast.  Heck, just slather some on a cracker for a quick hor dourve.  

Come in and meet your new best friend!  At Clever Girl, we want to share the love.  Stop in this Thursday, (9-11-14) and sample this tasty treat.  You can always view our tasting schedule (and other events) on our Clever Calender, located on the web site.  Click HERE to check it out...