eat well & buy more art

christmas celebration for hollinger services inc.

2011-12-29T15:27:00.000-08:00

Hollinger Services Inc. wasn't lacking in celebratory humor and holiday cheer, and they pulled out all the stops to make it memorable. Ridgeway Brass Quartet offered the evenings entertainment, with a little help from Jeff Eisenbise. They played while guests arrived, mingled, and enjoyed appetizers. Appetizers included a sparkling cranberry punch with citrus slices, wedges of

gallery renovations, phases I and II complete

2011-12-16T15:34:00.000-08:00

With dinner parties scheduled starting the 17th of December, we all worked like crazy to finish painting, cleaning, and installing artwork. Hard to believe we only got started the beginning of November! For a tour of the space, visit our website www.lyndengallery.com - we'd love your comments! Still to come, Phase III...

first event after renovation - booksigning for Gale Martin

2011-12-10T14:04:00.001-08:00

Gale Martin's booksigning for "Don Juan in Hankey, PA" was our first event in Lynden Gallery's renovated space, and we all worked like crazy to meet the deadline. Artwork on the walls, hangers in the new closet, rugs on the floor, and everything scrubbed and dusted free of dust. Still a bit of painting and shelving construction to do beyond the back wall, but it's coming together

prepping and painting

2011-12-07T16:48:00.001-08:00

Feels like we've been prepping and painting forever, but it's really only been 2 weeks in earnest, I think. David spent a lot of time leveling the concrete floor, filling holes, removing funky existing wires or pipes wherever he could. The wall where the frame corners used to be? A nice smooth plaster base, after several days of layering and sanding, is ready to paint. And

post thanksgiving, sausage chili dinner for a crowd

2011-11-27T14:35:00.001-08:00

Given all that's going on, I passed on hosting Thanksgiving dinner at the gallery this year, but when my cousin emailed from Ohio earlier in the week suggesting they'd be around this weekend, I couldn't resist replying, "sure come on over - I'll make dinner!" And once the clan hears of such a plan, it doesn't take long to have a guest list of over twenty. My mother offered a turkey

newly relocated framing consult, as the dust settles

2011-11-25T12:59:00.001-08:00

The old framing consult area, as it looked on Tuesday morning before dismanteling it with Jeff Mummau, our carpenter extraordinaire. A bit of a challenge for the two of us to take off the counter top and stand it against the wall, but we managed with his engineering finesse. Then came the head-scratching task of how best to take it apart and put it back together, slightly reconfigured

ralph waldo emerson and color theory

2011-11-20T17:21:00.001-08:00

In my travels yesterday to secure some windows I'd discovered a few weeks ago, I found myself coveting this leather-bound collection of Ralph Waldo Emerson. This rare 1897 set printed by Riverside Press Cambridge-Boston is a far cry from the dog-eared, paperback book of Emerson's writings I purchased from at street vendor in New York City back in the late 1980's. Ever since, Emerson's

dust and the holidays

2011-11-17T15:15:00.001-08:00

It's been a bit dusty around here, and if all goes well, we'll be able to clean up, be painting by the weekend, and have the gallery put back together for the holidays. Several parties are booked starting on the 10th, so we're under deadline to get it all done. Above is a view from the side of the new gallery wall. To the left will be the relocated framing consultation area, and to the

pizza with whole wheat parmesian crust

2011-11-15T17:28:00.000-08:00

I posted this pic a couple weeks ago, and have had people asking for the recipe. I was surprised to find I hadn't already added it, as this has been a long time, family favorite. I have a large, round, cobalt blue ceramic plate with deep sides that "just fits" into my oven. Made by one of my artists, Milt Friedly, I've custom ordered several as gifts over the years.I start by preparing the

eye candy for the frame shop

2011-11-10T17:14:00.000-08:00

This afternoon one of our new framing vendors came by unexpectedly with a fun, colorful new collection of hand-crafted Italian wood mouldings that I couldn't resist sharing. In the midst of all the dust and dirt, this fabulous collection of lacquered inlays, birdseye maples, African wenge, zebra oak, olive, pecan and burl veneers got my creative juices going.All the things I can do with these!

peanut butter cookies and plaster

2011-11-06T16:52:00.000-08:00

So the detailing begins, and I think plaster is my husband David's favorite medium. He spent a week scraping, plastering and repainting the gallery ceiling before we even got started on the dirty work. So as he spent the late afternoon mixing plaster of Paris and wrapping the raw top edge of the window well in chicken wire, I headed to the kitchen to bake - my chosen artistic medium.

oatmeal cranberry walnut raisin bread

2011-11-05T17:35:00.000-07:00

Some might think this is overkill, but it's just plain delicious. A "More with Less" oatmeal bread favorite recipe since Jenna and Joe were little, I've done numerous variations on the theme. One summer I even tried it with candied ginger and figs, and have been meaning to do it again ever since. Alas, I don't typically have both ingredients in my pantry at the same time.This version was first

who's going to clean up this mess?

2011-11-02T17:49:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'll admit it. It's a bit overwhelming at the moment! But I'm excited with the unearthed possibilities of it all. Each step is explorative with it's own narrative, and that is what makes it so much fun.On the right side, near the corner about shoulder height, I can see layers of paint and history - the same, antiseptic, institutional-looking, turquoisey, blue paint that was on the second

lynden at lynden

2011-11-01T16:45:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the moment of truth... I've been sweating bullets wondering if this crazy idea of mine was going to come to fruition as I envisioned it. Lynden started the first window, digging away at the mortar around one of the concrete blocks, then following it with sledgehammer blows. What we didn't expect was two rows of concrete block, but he wasn't deterred.With only one small hole through

windows revealed

2011-10-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

The cabinetry is down and the window locations, with curved tops are revealed - they missed the electrical box by several inches, so opening them up is viable - you never know what you are going to find when you start ripping things out, so this was a big question mark. This was an outside wall, the back of the gallery an addition added in about 1920. The original fire hall was just the front

gallery renovations underway

2011-10-19T13:28:00.001-07:00

After almost a year of planning, we're finally underway! My husband, David has been busy with prep work the last few weeks, stripping up carpet, removing the tack strips, scraping, repairing and repainting the ceiling - (ceiling looks great, don't you think?)We spent this evening moving artwork out of storage into the center of the gallery temporarily, as we'll be renovating that space first.

curried rice and black beans

2011-10-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

A family favorite, this recipe originally came from the McDonough family, back when Layne and Lynden, Conor and Hallie were small and we regularly traded kids back and forth. Pat and Dona spent time in Nicaragua where Conor was born, and brought this recipe back with them. It's a great hit for any dinner party, the presentation of colors on a big platter are all the centerpiece you need, and

meet the staff at Lynden Gallery

2011-10-14T13:50:00.000-07:00

With all the plans for transition in our gallery space this fall and winter, our penchant for quality service, meticulous craftsmanship, and distinctive design remains our overarching goal. We couldn't do it, without the care and commitment of our excellent, experienced and talented staff.DAVID PATTON is Frame Shop Manager, and he's a fanatic about details. An experienced framer, Dave worked

Bruschetta

2011-10-07T16:37:00.000-07:00

Joe brought me a pineapple from Hawaii, but don't look for any great recipes for fresh pineapple - it succumbed to the butcher knife and a few forks (or fingers) before anything could be considered. And who needs a great recipe for fresh Hawaiian pineapple anyway - it's perfect as is.So instead, I bring you fresh bruschetta, one of my singular favorites in any restaurant - will often just make a

strawberry orange muffins

2011-09-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

My dog-earred, post-it-noted Cooking Light magazines spanning 10 or so years, include this Strawberry Orange Muffin recipe in the May 1999 issue. Thais, our exchange student from Brazil, was living with us that year, and this was her favorite. As usual, I've adjusted the recipe to use less sugar and more whole grains. In a blender, add the following, and process until combined:2 large eggs3 tbs.

Kay's Pad Thai

2011-06-13T17:28:00.000-07:00

I was telling my friend Kay the other day how much I want to learn how to cook Thai food, but much to my chagrin have been failing miserably. I had to admit the fault lay in my inability to just follow a recipe first, and experiment later! I think the flavors in these foods are just more complex, and I can't just throw in a little of this and a bit of that until I have more experience with the

musings

2011-06-12T12:26:00.000-07:00

"It is not the critic that counts, nor the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by sweat and blood; who strives valiently; who errs and comes up short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a

wholesome oatmeal raisin cookies

2011-04-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

This cookie recipe is another favorite from the Moosewood collection - my go-to favorite cookbooks for something healthy and a little different. I recently served these with coffee for an early morning meeting and they were a yummy alternative to muffins or bagels. I've altered the recipe just a bit in my usual "Lisa" way to cut back on the sugar: Cream in mixer:1 cup brown sugar1/2 cup toasted

Eva Stina Bender, painter

2011-03-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

A visit to Eva Stina Bender's home is an aesthetic feast for the soul. Friend Cindi Dixon captures the everyday surroundings of this Swedish born painter in a montage of photographs of exquisite detail - light, shadow and reflection embracing a vision of a simplicity and joy in a life well-lived. A few are snapshots by Eva herself who inherited the simple pleasure in homemaking from her mother,

gypsy soup

2011-03-20T02:22:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite soup recipes, Gypsy Soup, was originally given to me by Susan Davitti Darling. It was from The New Moosewood Cookbook by Mollie Katzen, whom I'd not heard of before. I found the combination of ingredients curious (sweet potatoes, tomatoes and cinnamon?), and the outcome so delicious, I couldn't wait to visit Barnes and Noble again to purchase my own copy of the cookbook.

Modest Quests for Jenna

2011-03-11T19:00:00.000-08:00

"Modest Quests", an 18" x 24" acrylic on canvas by Ned Wert, recently found a home on my daughter's living room wall. A gift in keeping with tradition, she received it on the completion of her master's degree, a Masters in Human Resource Management from the Keller Graduate School of Management. Congratulations Jenna!

ten years - or is it twenty-five?

2010-09-09T11:33:00.000-07:00

We're celebrating 10 years at Lynden Gallery, having moved to the old Downtown Firehall at 117 South Market Street in 2000 from just down the street. Twelve years in our old Victorian were proceeded by four on Orange Street, in a 1939 Sears and Roebuck bungalow. And we did, literally, move many of our smaller household belongings transported on an old red wagon with two young children alongside

Gary Butson's Rebirth

2010-09-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

I remember the first time I visited Gary Butson's studio - the door of his turn-of-the-century, white, clapboard house opens, and I'm ushered inside a rather dark interior, much like his paintings themselves. I was struck by the quiet, and the scent of his pipe, as he led me through the orderly house to the back stairs and up to his small studio on the second floor. Surrounded by books,

summer salads and Betty

2010-06-28T16:47:00.000-07:00

"A cruel irony of your life... you are married to a Philistine when it comes to food." So much of who we are... who we think we are, is wrapped up in our perceived opinions of those closest to us. My identity, including my feelings of pride and who I am are wrapped up in food and my ability to shop on a shoestring, create and serve up healthy dishes with some finesse (not to mention "neatness"

slaw variation with water chestnuts and sour cherries

2010-06-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

Second to slow-broiling in the sun (and yes, I've done my share of baby oil basted, slow cooking), come summer I savor the adventure of inventing recipes using up leftover produce in my refrigerator. Thanks to my brother Brandon, I gathered an interesting mix of ingredients this evening while the chicken breast was doing the cooking instead of me. This slaw recipe was inspired by Mollie

black bean salsa and the graduation party

2010-06-12T11:08:00.000-07:00

This week has been a whirlwind of parties and events, with the graduation of child #3, Layne, from highschool. Earlier in the week we celebrated Lynden's 16th birthday and Lorelei's graduation, and I managed to complete my semester finals in the midst of it all. Tonight we are throwing a party to celebrate, and since a trip to Central Market early this morning for produce, I've been happily

Peanut Butter Icing on Lynden's Sixteenth Birthday

2010-06-08T12:53:00.000-07:00

Well, it's birthday cake season again (we have several within a few short weeks early summer)and I've got Stella's Wackie Cake in my oven. While it's baking, I went in search of a recipe for Peanut Butter Icing - I recall doing this every year. The cake recipe is easy to find, as it's hand-written in an old Contestoga Composition Book, "property of Bryan Hollinger". Somewhere along the line

Brad Stroman's "Black Mountain Fever"

2010-04-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

We recently traveled to Black Mountain, North Carolina to visit Brad and Ellen Stroman in preparation for Brad's upcoming exhibition at Lynden Gallery, aptly titled "Black Mountain Fever", a nod to the obvious inspirational feast he's found since moving there in January 2009. The photo above is of the two of them, walking sticks in hand on the trail one morning. It was hard for us to leave,

Figures and all that Jazz

2010-02-11T14:42:00.000-08:00

"Figures, Chocolate and all that Jazz" opens tomorrow night, Friday, February 12th with several reasons to celebrate - well the snow stopped didn't it? Emerging from the blizzard of the century (so far), I hear the traffic below my window moving at a normal rate of speed on pavement rather than ice. Yesterday at this time it had finally finished with a second dumping of snow in a week, each

market day repast

2009-10-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, the best foodie moments are the simplest.... roasted pepper hummus, fresh red grapes and authentic middle-eastern pita bread from Central Market in Historic Downtown Lancaster. Central Market has for decades been one of my favorite places on earth - the sounds, smells, people, emanating from this Romanesque Revival market house built in 1889 permeate some of my favorite memories.

Installing Coccoons at the Convention Center

2009-10-14T16:51:00.000-07:00

Busy today installing sculpture, first at A.R.T. as part of the Lancaster Museum of Art's "Artful Dining" series. A.R.T. is hosting a "Think Sculpture" exhibition Friday evening the 16th, with 30% of the proceeds supporting the museum. Tickets can be purchased thru the museum before the event.After work of our six sculptors was delivered, James Bright, Milt Friedly, Milton Good, John Hertzler,

Sculpture

2009-10-08T15:34:00.000-07:00

Two years ago, I met Toby Richards, whom I've since found to be an amazing sculpture photographer. Why he would be willing to come spend days on end with us at Lynden Gallery photographing hundreds of shots, letting me turn things just this way or that, another fraction of an inch, and experiment with the lighting until we got it just right, I'll never know. I was beat, and on his end, it all

salmon burgers with lemon dill sauce

2009-09-15T17:00:00.000-07:00

When asked for the recipe recently, I was surprised to find I hadn't put it on the blog yet. It's one of my favorites from the Classic Pillsbury Cookbooks, June 1995 issue - the only change in the original recipe is the addition of fresh Parmesan cheese and Old Bay. They can be grilled, fried or baked in the oven, eaten with or without a roll, and take well to catsup - just ask Sam Clemens!

black mountain - visiting the stromans

2009-09-14T17:33:00.000-07:00

Saying "Goodbye" to Brad and Ellen earlier this year wasn't easy. Our gallery/artist relationship is as old as Lynden Gallery, coming up quickly on 10 years in 2010. Retiring to Black Mountain, North Carolina in January, they have the most exquisite timber frame house, dogs at the ready, and the crystal, mountain air enhancing both life and art. On arriving Thursday night, we found the two of

quick buttermilk pancakes - from scratch

2009-09-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

This recipe comes from my torn and tattered "Eating More with Less" cookbook, that revolutionized the way I cook. I like the whole foods concept and prefer making things from scratch as much as possible. You can add mashed bananas and walnuts (though my kids never liked nuts) - fresh blueberries or chocolate chips are a hit in my house!In a two cup glass measuring cup, or small bowl mix the

Robert Patierno - more than meets the eye

2009-09-05T16:43:00.000-07:00

I've been researching, reading, writing to and working with Bob Patierno now for months, working toward his show here at Lynden Gallery on September 25th. I've respected his work and enjoyed his company for a long time, and it's been rather a privilege to dig into the lengthy resume and his prolific work in order to write about him. The exhibit, titled "More than Meets the Eye" lives up to it's

The Language, and the Sound of Trees

2009-08-11T16:24:00.000-07:00

The installation of Robert Bitts' new paintings and John Hertzler's sculpture doesn't disappoint. Walking through the gallery it's as if one were walking along the bank of the Cocalico surrounded by trees. Tree language is spoken in the abstract sculpture of David Zimmerman and hand turned bowls of Paul Lutrell - the quiet rhythm of nature echoing the waning days of summer. In the words of

belco credit union - business profile of mom and me!

2009-08-05T17:15:00.000-07:00

To read a larger copy, click here and go to our website, www.lyndengallery.com

Inspiration Strikes

2009-07-18T11:43:00.001-07:00

"Inspiration Strikes" again, as John Hertzler's awarded sculpture moves back into Lynden Gallery. Two year ago, it took it's place in the middle of "Art of the State", a juried exhibition at the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg. It was indeed striking as it held it's own in then newly renovated gallery space amidst a large collection of works from artist throughout the

ned's opening, celebrating 50 years

2009-04-29T15:49:00.001-07:00

Lynden Gallery on Marketso i went to an art openingat the lynden galleryin etown & many people came outincluding Luke and Mallorywhom i hadn't seen in abouttwo years or so plus Lisathe owner was therewith her beautiful raven dark hair.Ned Wert was the artist on displayand his works are now largely abstracthanging with red as the predominant shadei was gasping at the numbers as factthen noticed

my brother's electric car, part II

2009-04-06T05:40:00.000-07:00

SAAB 96-V first run on full voltage!... electric car conversion EV electric vehicle. That's my dad in the background, witnessing this accomplishment. I'm waiting for the first Sunday visit...See YouTube videoSee my brother's electric car, part I

jenna's graduation (ok, we're going back a few years!)

2009-03-31T16:14:00.000-07:00

Speaking of Jenna, this piece of artwork was her college graduation present from me. I told her, if I'm doing my job right, it's an investment in her future! This one is called "Shadow Chase" by Ned Wert, measuring 22" x 28", acrylic on woven canvas. When I found it at Ned's studio that fall on a visit, I knew she'd love the colors. When I read the title, I knew it was for her. She had

chicken noodle soup

2009-03-31T15:35:00.000-07:00

I promised this to my daughter Jenna a week ago - sorry! This recipe has evolved over the years, just by experimenting, but I must admit enriching the broth with the pureed vegetables came from my favorite Moosewood cookbook.In a large stock pot, bring four quarts of water to a boil, with the following:1-2 whole chicken breasts, depending on how large they are - with bones and skin you get a

robert heilman's commission

2009-03-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

Stopped out in Scheafferstown at Bob Heilman's studio this afternoon with my client. Three large oil paintings had been commissioned, and we were coming to see the progress, as the paintings are about 50% complete. Originally the paintings had been specified a bit larger in size, but the budget brought the work to a size that allowed for enough ceiling height to accommodate the work in the

a visit to ned's house

2009-03-15T15:28:00.000-07:00

Friday we headed west on the turnpike mid-afternoon for a visit to Ned Wert's house and studio. With his latest exhibition, "Ned Wert well-seasoned" fast approaching, it was time to review the work and get to know one of my favorite people even better. This show will feature not only new work, but work from the last 50 years of Ned's prolific painting career - alongside a dedicated career

my brother is building an electric car

2009-03-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

Questioning Internal Combustion: Subverting the Empire by Going Electric Brandon Hollinger The standard method of automobile propulsion would appear unchallenged, unparalleled and unquestioned looking back over the course of a century. I haven't been one to theorize about conspiracies and sinister corporate or government plots...until recently. In 1832, decades before the internal combustion

auction results

2009-03-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

The Habitat for Humanity Auction was a huge success- the highlight of the evening was the introduction of Heather Roberts whose new home will be built from these proceeds. Currently living in a one-bedroom apartment with seven children, she will be the Women Build/Artist Build homeowner for 2009. According to Director, Eve Gurian-Wachhaus, when the house is complete, it will be sold to her for

Habitat for Humanity Art Auction

2009-03-07T07:26:00.000-08:00

Art Auction? Anyone who knows me is aware of how I feel about Art Auctions in general, and I typically discourage my Artists from participating, preferring instead to support the cause with framing or gift certificates. The HABITAT FOR HUMANITY of the Greater Harrisburg Area Art Auction, however, had several key considerations in place allowing me to encourage Artist participation without

hints on the Hitz bread

2009-03-06T07:39:00.000-08:00

I had the privilege of sitting next to Lucy Hitz Maghan last night at our kids swim banquet, and shared with her my struggle to bake bread that tasted as good as her dad's. She explained he makes the yeast, water, and flour sponge, and let's it sit overnight. Then adds in the rest of the ingredients, kneads it, and lets it rise. Then, repeats the kneading and rising another two times, which

the creative individual....

2009-03-04T17:33:00.000-08:00

"The creative individual is the more spacious person, the person out beyond whom the future lies. the artist will not for all time endure alongside man. When the artist, the more mobile, the deeper of the two, becomes ripe and strong enough to engender his own kind, when he lives what now he dreams, the man will wither away and little by little, die out. The artist is the eternity that juts

sourdough experiment number two

2009-03-01T12:21:00.000-08:00

For the sponge, stir together in large crock, then cover:1 cup starter1 cup warm water (105-115 degrees)1 1/2 cup occident flourI covered the bowl with two cotton towels and tucked it in the oven. My oven has a pilot light, so it stays a nice constant warm, perfect for starters and homemade yogurt. I managed to resist the urge to make the bread a day early - the sponge was begun on Friday

five surefire ways to annoy a gallery

2009-02-26T14:51:00.000-08:00

I subscribe to an email newsletter by Sylvia White, Contemporary Art Services, and this one is so true - see below. There is hardly a day goes by I don't receive requests from artists for representation, and it is simply not prudent to drop everything to respond - sales suffer! And that is the ultimate, mutual goal we have! Both galleries I direct, the Lynden Gallery and the Arts Hotel Gallery

sourdough experiment, number one

2009-02-23T05:25:00.000-08:00

Years ago I served tables at an uncommon restaurant, The Country Chef in Mount Joy. Ever since I've been stymied with the challenge of creating that wonderful bread of his. "Him", being Ed Hitz, veterinarian turned French chef - his studio an old barn outside of Elizabethtown with a big kitchen and lots of nooks and crannies with tables for parties of 2, 4 or up to 12, as I recall.

hungry for chocolate, quick, easy brownies

2009-02-21T17:05:00.000-08:00

This recipe comes from my favorite chocolate cookbook, "Hershey's Chocolate Treasury", which was given to me years ago for Christmas. It's stained, with spattered chocolate, has post-it notes marking the "Cocoa Bundt Cake", "Chocolate Satin Glaze", "Peanut Butter Paisley Brownies", and a pink plastic paperclip on the corner of the "Best Brownies" page. I've tried to make it healthy, less fat

workshops at lynden gallery

2009-02-19T16:36:00.000-08:00

Eva Bender, watercolorMarch 7, June 20 and November 7, 10:00 to 4:00, includes lunch Participants will explore moving from realistic rendering to abstraction, mysterious images in watercolor, incorporatingdrawing and painting, being open to "happy accidents" and "surprises" in the resulting work. Lunch of tea sandwiches and desserts will be served by Gina Feeser.Registration required - call

guests at the opening... thanks Scott!

2009-02-18T13:35:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Scott Campbell for the photos below of the opening! Scott is a journalist for the Harrisburg Magazine, and gave the show a wonderful write up in December - see http://www.lyndengallery.com/palette%20article%201208.html

2009-02-14T09:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Susan Darling!http://www.lyndengallery.com/darling.htm

the opening

2009-02-14T05:03:00.000-08:00

Last evening we had a full house - and a great mix of old and new faces. The Gadjo Playboys, as always, didn't disappoint - the music was fabulous! We sold Ned Wert's "Lessons for the Soothsayer", 60" x 48" acrylic on canvas. It only arrived home this past fall after gracing the Embassy in Macedonia for two years. The Ambassador found the piece on our website after it's debut in a solo show

ned's stuffed mushrooms

2009-02-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Ned brought along is famous stuffed mushrooms to the opening, which were gone before I got any. I hear they are delicious! He suggests "portions may be varied for preference."Snap stems from mushroom caps and set aside. Chop the stems finely.In a skillet, saute' chopped stems and some green onions in olive oil. Add seasoned pre-cooked loose sausage and cook completely. Allow the mixture to

palette/palate study

2009-02-03T16:49:00.001-08:00

This has been one of my favorite exhibitions to date - and one I've been thinking of for a long time. It's been my practice to visit artists in their studios before I show their work - it affords me an opportunity to see them in their surroundings, understand how they work, and get inside their heads a bit - all of which gives me more material when it comes time to write PR. I found studios and

Peanut Butter Cookies

2009-02-03T15:56:00.000-08:00

I found this recipe in my tattered "More With Less" cookbook by Doris Janzen Longacre years ago and it's a family favorite. It's one of the few recipes I haven't tinkered with or changed. It's perfect as is - yummy and healthy!Cream together:1/2 cup margarine1 cup peanut butter1 1/2 cups brown sugarAdd to creamed mixture and beat well:1 egg2 tbs. vanilla6 tbs. waterAdd:1 cup toasted wheat germ1

Chicken Ceasar Salad

2009-02-02T16:47:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite comfort foods, and can be made rather quickly. The little bit of preparation is a welcome task after a long day. I find myself to be more grounded when I take time in the kitchen - the mindless multi-tasking with David or the kids nearby, washing dishes as I go (yes, I'm a neat freak in the kitchen) - music of my own choosing (I live with teenagers, so this is rarely

still life in the midst of chaos

2009-01-28T16:59:00.000-08:00

Every so often there is a painting that just keeps calling my name, and I think I have to have it. To keep. Selfish, huh? Considering I get to live with art everyday. But I love this one. It just oozes with the everyday, and despite it's somewhat chaotic composition (intentional by the artist) I find it compelling and alive. As the artist states in her own words,"my work is a vehicle to

Barak Obama's Inauguration Day

2009-01-21T10:07:00.001-08:00

I headed to Philadelphia in the morning for class, somewhat put out to think I would miss the Inauguration speech and have to wait for re-runs. It dawned on me, however, as I boarded the train, I would arrive around 11:30 and not have to be in class until 12:30. Whoopee! I'd just hang out at Bridgewater's Pub at 30th Street Station and catch the speech there...I entered to find I was early

salmon pasta salad

2009-01-17T09:33:00.000-08:00

This recipe is one I created, and has become a standard on those late evenings when I crave "real food", but am too tired to cook. Just the process of putting this humble meal together, with a glass of chardonnay, feeds my soul.Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil, then add 3 handfulls of penne pasta to the pan. Cook pasta about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, assemble the following in a serving bowl

New Year's Dinner

2009-01-01T14:50:00.000-08:00

Layne and Cassie went to Jenna and Andrew's for New Year's Eve. I picked up Joe and Lynden after baking a batch of french bread in the morning, and we headed to Phili for dinner with the rest of them. I had sent the pork with the girls the night before, so Jenna had it roasting before we arrived. We heated up the black-eyed peas I brought, along with sauerkraut, salad and brownies. I enjoyed

spicy black-eyed peas

2009-01-01T14:44:00.000-08:00

As the young wife of a southerner, I quickly learned no New Year's dinner is complete without black-eyed peas and boiled collard or turnip greens. I never did aquire a taste for boiled greens, but found the black-eyed peas to be the perfect compliment to pork and sauerkraut. On New Year's Eve, bring the following to a boil, then turn to a simmer for the evening:2 cups dried black-eyed peas3

easy french bread

2009-01-01T14:20:00.000-08:00

This recipe is from a well-worn cookbook that has been the basis for most of my cooking as a young mother. Written by Doris Janzen Longacre, "More with Less" emphasizes whole food cooking and a responsible, thoughtful approach to eating. Around the same time, I discovered "The Country Store" in Mount Joy - a small deli and bulk food store run by a Mennonite woman at the back of her house. With

slow cooked pork

2009-01-01T14:16:00.000-08:00

This is the pork I make every year for New Year’s dinner and varies each time based on what I have in the pantry. Essentially the elements are the same. It’s the slow cooking and attentive basting and turning that makes it moist and delicious. Preheat oven to 300. Prepare roasting pan with lid by greasing it liberally with olive oil. Combine in a four-cup glass,

roasted pepper hummus and the mason cable clan

2008-12-27T07:30:00.000-08:00

Last evening, David, Layne, Lynden and I drove to Chambersburg to meet up with the Mason clan. I hadn't seen them in several years, so it was a real treat - everyone was there but Scott, who is doing well in Florida with wife Lisa and two little ones. Matriarch Mom Mason with her husband Chet, big brother Steve and Marilyn, sister Jan with her daughter Nicki with her husband Warren (I remember

christmas eve jambalaya and cheese cake

2008-12-24T13:13:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve is the time we count on having all the Bedenbaugh kids together for the holidays. We attend Christmas Eve service, then return home to a late dinner, stockings and gift exchange. This year, I made Jambalaya from a recipe Ned Wert gave me after dinner at his house one evening when I went to visit his studio. He's known as an awesome cook and his hospitality if reknown if you have

joe's graduation from penn state, "wings over the susquehanna," and that amazing bean dip

2008-12-20T12:36:00.000-08:00

Joe graduated from Penn State the Saturday before Christmas and all the family, grandparents included, joined in the celebration - congrats Joe! A party was held at the gallery, and friends and family from all walks of his life attended. Faced with the challenge of feeding many over several hours, I ended up making a recipe (times 4!) of one of our family favorites. It seemed fitting, as I

gingersnap cookies

2008-12-16T15:58:00.000-08:00

This recipe is another favorite from the Westinghouse cookbook, adjusted to accommodate diabetes and general good health and well-being. It's a family favorite for the Bedenbaugh kids, and the cookie my brother Brad declares "keeps us all regular." Yummy, when baked until ALMOST done!Combine in a large mixing bowl:1 1/2 cups brown sugar1/2 cup toasted wheatgerm1 1/2 cups margarine (the soybean

whole wheat cinnamon swirl raisin bread

2008-12-15T13:39:00.000-08:00

The week before Christmas, the baking frenzy starts in my kitchen - and typically, it's not cookies, but bread. My favorite for the holidays is a cinnamon raisin swirl bread from a recipe I adapted from Country Living back when Jenna and Joe were little. When each of my children were in Nursery School, I'd make a double batch and have each child in the class knead, roll and sugar their own

thanksgiving in turkmanistan - by Jess

2008-12-02T17:15:00.000-08:00

This email came from a brave, young friend in the peace corp, currently stationed in Turkmanistan. This is her first Thanksgiving so far away, but not without her humorous commentary on making it special! Loved ones, These two items are, in fact, unrelated. I appreciated all the Happy Thanksgiving wishes. What's Thanksgiving like in T-stan? Well, kind of a blip,

sushi and ginger

2008-11-19T19:30:00.000-08:00

Rose Hoffer Gittell's 15th Birthday, which I was fortunate enough to be in New England to share in. We had a lovely dinner in Downtown Portsmouth of sushi with Ross, Jody, Rose, Grace and I. The miso soup was particularly delicious, and the sushi offerings equisite. I had forgotten how much I love sushi and fresh ginger. Gracie and I decided to walk back to the house afterward, but coming

dinner in portsmouth

2008-11-18T19:00:00.000-08:00

I arrived in Portsmouth, NH to stay with my cousin Jody for a few days while I attend the Greenbuild Conference in Boston. She and the girls had grilled chicken ceasar salad waiting - Rose, 15, had made the dressing from scratch and Gracie, 9, prepared dessert of bananas topped with dark chocolate pudding. It brought back favorite childhood memories - I can't tell you the last time a fixed

stella's chocolate wackie cake

2008-11-14T16:10:00.001-08:00

Dinner is cooking on the stove - it's Lorelei's birthday, and we're having boneless porkchops from the local butcher, rubbed with dill and garlic salt, mashed potatoes - at her request, fresh steamed green beans, and chocolate cake (my grandmother's wackie cake recipe) with peanut butter icing for dessert.WACKIE CAKEThis recipe is Grandma Stella's - no changes, just pure, unadulterated, fattening

wine, cheese and jazz

2008-11-10T05:53:00.000-08:00

Beautiful fall day Sunday at the river. David and I went to church at St. Stephens, then walked to Passage of India for lunch - our favorite place. The soup, in particular is delectable, and I can't figure out what all is in it, to try to recreate it at home. Ginger and currie for sure, with a creamy tomatoe base. Maybe coconut milk?After spending the afternoon in the lab - we both worked -

2008-11-04T20:12:00.001-08:00

John McCain called to concede the race for president. We have a new president!And change is coming our way!

2008-10-15T19:53:00.001-07:00

Off to Philadelphia three days a week for grad school doesn't leave much time for blogging - or cooking - my teenaged children are none to pleased with that fact. With all the grazing on granola bars, ramen noodles and cheeze-its, I can't imagine they are hungry. And it seems when I do think ahead and take the time to prepare a meal, no one is around, or they don't feel like eating whatever it

2008-10-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

A delightfully, unexpected lunch invitation to the Bowery Hotel in Soho with Sophie Theallet and Steven Francoeur. Christine Clemer and I took a chance to meet her, as she is the focus of our retail project this semester - we must research her line of exquisite fashions and design an appropriate boutique and atelier. Lunch of paninis and pizza, white wine and aragula salad was delicious, and

Conundrum, salmon and corn on the cob

2008-09-15T14:27:00.000-07:00

The best food and visiting seems to happen spontaneously. I stopped by Betty's to drop off some flower pots I'd borrowed - actually, she offered me beautiful flower arrangements after a gathering as she was heading to Maine for the summer. I tend her plants while she is gone, and she tends me in my moments of anxiousness and uncertainty - "How can we reframe this?" she'll say, offering up the

2008-09-15T13:48:00.000-07:00

My latest acquisition, Annie Strickler's plein aire' painting, "Royalton at Dusk", 6 1/4 x 15 15/16" oil on panel. A student of JD Wissler, and a four-year employee of Lynden Gallery, it seemed fitting to bring a work of Annie's into my collection. I've watched her work blossom in recent years, as she has begun to make time for painting. It hangs in my bathroom to the right of the sink, where

Wheat Berry Salad

2008-09-15T13:06:00.000-07:00

This salad was created by my friend and neighbor, Pam McCarty for a backyard cookout. Over the years, it has evolved to include black beans, feta cheese, spinach, ginger and a splash of balsamic vinegar.Bring 1 1/2 cups wheat berries to a boil and simmer 2 hours, or until soft, but crunchy. Rinse and drain well.Add to cooked wheat berries in a large mixing bowl:8 oz. can black beans, drained

peach and raspberry pie

2008-09-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

simple, easy pastry crust (makes enough for two pies)place in medium sized crock or mixing bowl:2 cups all purpose flour1 tsp. salt1 tsp. baking powdercombine in liquid measuring cup:1/2 cup salad oil1/3 cup ice waterwhip with fork to combine, then add to flour and mix with fork until all ingredients are wet. don't overdo it or the crust will get tough. place the ball of dough between two

peach and raspberry pie

2008-09-12T13:48:00.000-07:00

The evening began with an Artists' Opening Reception for Annie Strickler and Paul Flury. The subject of their work, and lifelong inspiration to both, was the Susquehannana River - Paul's meticulous studio work, and Annie's impressionistic plein aire' work. Toby Richards exhibited his "River Rocks Collection" as the Front Wall Feature, the black and white photos of the river rocks, stunningly

lavonne's chicken salad

2008-09-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

This recipe came from my best friend's mom and I haven't altered it a bit. It's great for fixing ahead for a big group, and a healthy twist on old-fashioned waldorf salad.Combine in a large mixing bowl:1 red apple, cubed1 tbs. lemon juice, sprinkled over the apple3 cups cubed chicken (or approximately 3 boneless chicken breast halves)1 1/4 cup celery, chopped1 1/4 cup red grapes, halved1/2 cup

blueberry oatmeal struesel cake

2008-08-04T14:12:00.000-07:00

This recipe has been adapted from the Blueberry Oat Muffin recipe in The Central Market Cookbook by Phyllis Pellman Good and Louise Stoltzfus, copyright 1989. With several diabetic family members, it quickly became my habit as a young mother to adapt recipes that would be delicious, without substitute sugars. Combine with a fork and set aside for topping:1/4 cup butter, softened2 tbs. brown

2008-08-04T12:04:00.000-07:00

Our small group of mothers and daughters, scattered around the country, meet from time to time when Susie Kurtz is in town. Calls go out to Lavonne Grubb and Lynne, Barb Deiner and Sue, Esther Kurtz and Susie, Becky Kenderdine and Sue, and Mom and myself. This particular brunch was here at the gallery, and included Susie and Esther, Barb, Mom and myself, as it was a bit last minute pulling it

2008-07-27T13:05:00.001-07:00

I took a bit of time today to sort thru my daughter's wedding photos from last fall. I posted them on Facebook, after taking the time - mostly out of curiousity - to set one up. Within an hour, I connected with my choral prof and several old friends from Bridgewater, then sheepishly begged my children to "be my friend." It is kind of fun, putting images up for posterity.Life has changed so

2008-07-26T13:47:00.001-07:00

How am I supposed to do this? Go from gallery owner, to mom, to tomorrow's church worship leader all in a few breaths. And somehow be effective? And remember every detail? And smile? I made the mistake of saying "yes" to things this summer because I thought I'd have extra time - whoops!

2007-11-10T12:50:00.000-08:00

Jenna, and the mother-of-the-bride..

chocolate chip banana muffins

2007-11-10T12:49:00.000-08:00

This recipe has been adapted from my favorite old cookbook of my mother's, The Betty Furness Westinghouse Cookbook, now tattered and falling apart. The original recipe is a Banana Layer Cake.Combine in a large mixing bowl:1 cup old fashioned oats3/4 cup buttermilk1/4 cup canola oil2 eggs, beaten1 tsp. vanillaAdd and mix by hand until dry ingredients are blended:1 cup whole wheat flour1 cup white

2007-11-10T12:37:00.000-08:00

Jenna's wedding day included brunch for the girls in the wedding party, along with her grandmother Hollinger, her aunt April, cousin Donna, and the mother-of-the-bride, Me.As I recall, it was all rather simple - fruit and yogurt, bagels, and muffins. The girls already had their hair done, and looked rather delightful around the table in their sweats and up-do's. As Jenna finished, she