Thursday
Feb142013

blissful eats with tina jeffers: Black sesame frozen yogurt

Black sesame seeds are in my opinion a under utilized ingredient in Western cultures.  I am fortunate that I have always been exposed to Asian cooking since my mom is from Okinawa and I love cooking with Asian ingredients.  This is a breeze to whip up and is made with all natural and whole ingredients.  Grinding the sesame seeds creates a thick luscious paste with a nutty smoky flavor.  So the next time you are craving a frozen treat you can have this ready to churn in less than an hour.  No more need to run to the grocery store for a late night sweet attack. 

Black sesame frozen yogurt

 

Serves 4-6

 

Ingredients:

 

1 cup heavy cream

2/3 cup agave or brown rice syrup

¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups whole-milk Greek yogurt

Method:

Place the sesame seeds in a small skillet over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes until the seeds start to pop and become fragrant.  Grind ¼ cup sesame seeds in a spice mill to form a thick paste, about 2 minutes and reserve the additional 2 tablespoons to mix in.  Pour the heavy cream, vanilla extract and agave syrup in a large bowl and whisk in the sesame paste until evenly incorporated.  Add the yogurt and mix until smooth.  Chill for at least 30 minutes and then churn the yogurt mixture in an ice cream maker, following manufacturer’s instructions.  During the last few minutes of churning add the additional 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds to the yogurt.

Thursday
Feb142013

happy day!

valentine's day is one of my very favorites...i actually tend to get more excited than i should (being a supposed adult and all).  happy love day to all of my beloved readers!

i took these festive valentine photos at alder & co...

 

tina will be back with a beautiful blissful eats post later this afternoon...

xo mrs. french

Wednesday
Feb132013

wee wednesday with jennifer: jess brown dolls

Hello friends!  Will you indulge me today and let me do a whole post on Jess Brown dolls?  Ok, great! You’re the best.  I have admired the work that goes into these dolls for many years.  Each doll is made of cotton muslin or linen and dyed in Persian black tea.  Jess Brown dolls come in the sweetest little dresses (liberty of London), cashmere shawls, or soft tulle.  You can also purchase a quaint little wooden bed with spool legs from a silk mill and handmade linen quilt.    I just happen to have a little girl who doesn’t really play with dolls (so sad), but maybe I could get one for myself:)  

This little video is so cute!

Xoxo,

Jennifer

Wednesday
Feb132013

wee wednesday with lindsay of darling clementine: childhood

I'm sure I'm not the only one who is madly in love with Pinterest, am I right? Besides it being how Traci and I "met" it's also a GIGANTIC source of inspiration for my shop Darling Clementine, it's a place to see what people are loving, from kids clothing trends to what's exciting in playtoys. I often refer back to Pinterest to be inspired. (and to kill time, shop and fine dinner recipes!) Here are a few shots from my 'Childhood' board that capture that perfect innocent carefree happiness that IS childhood. Take a peek at all of my boards here.

1. Nothing sweeter than little ones and gooey peanut butter and jam sandwiches

 

2. This girl

3. Boys on Second Ave by Louis Stettner

4. Little music lover 

5. 2 sweet Madelines! click to buy Madeline, a classic story that should be in every home library.

6. Cowboy in the city

7. Little artist

8. Sweet giggles 

9. Sweet little girl blowing milk bubbles

And please leave a link to your boards in the comment section, I'd love to see what inspires you! Xx Lindsay

Tuesday
Feb122013

retrouvius guest quarters

i am not sure how i feel about the whole guest thing.  often times it feels strange being a guest and in some cases, a bit awkward for me to accept someone into my space.  i guess that's it. it's a matter of space.  somehow, i have to believe that being or receiving a guest in a separate dwelling such as this re-furbished barn would change things greatly...

this guest house would do quite nicely as well...

retrouvius, does guest quarters in just the right way.  an architectural salvage and interior design firm in london that hits every nail on the head.  obviously, each brick, each board, each architectural element is chosen with a specific purpose, or vision in mind; creating a space that is warm, inviting and so special...a home away from home.  the perfect way to welcome a guest or be welcomed as one.

xo mrs. french

all photos take from the retrouvius site, originally spotted on desire to inspire