... made for modern living
FEATURE
50 SHOWCASE
These special friendships created positive, forward movement in people’s lives. For these homeowners, living downtown offered a fresh breath of livability, a new home and a new life.
DEPARTMENTS
14 COLOR
This is easy on the eyes, a classic choice, a practical palette and relevant no matter what the trends in design may be at any particular time. It’s all in black and white.
22 DESIGN
There is something special about chairs. A good chair is like a good friend, always there to offer solace and comfort. They define our own personal space and add character to a room. Read on!
28 DECOR
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 8
It starts with a spark of personal interest. Maybe a piece of art you love, beautiful books or perhaps a photo of a special trip or fond memory. Here begins an interesting part of interior design.
36 ELEMENTS
Decorating for each change of season plays an important role in our culture, as people across the globe find joy in decorating their homes with seasonal décor. Find beautiful inspiration here.
46 OUTDOORS
Halloween is coming and so are ghosts, goblins and skeletons to the North Country National Scenic Trail. Meet “Old Mother Witch,” enjoy nature, treats and a campfire. Familyfriendly.
8 Musings
10 Contributors
82 Wine Wisdom
60 KITCHENS
This all-important space is for the living. Every kitchen represents the subtle and not-so-subtle preferences of its owners. From color and textures to beautiful on-trend products, it’s all here.
68 CUISINE
Chef Granville Wood shares his love of the bounties of fall and takes us across the country and across cultures to help define delicious cuisine. Harvest time is here, enjoy its offerings!
68 INGREDIENTS
In early Greek literature, “bird’s milk” was a mythical delicacy. In 1936, a Polish confectioner Jan Wede, created a milk-based candy, an airy meringue, covered in chocolate. The rest is history.
Inspired Home Associate Publisher
Terri Ferragut
Phone: 701.866.4405
Email: terri@inspiredhomemagazine.com terri.ferragut@gmail.com
Fall is an exhilarating time of year. It ushers in a cavalcade of events and new beginnings for young and old alike. We settle back into a span of time that brings nature’s colorful splendor to our trees, wood smoke in the air and the ultimate comfort of cooler fresh air.
Our lives settle into a bit more of a scheduled routine and familiar activities that took a temporary pause begin to once again fill our calendars. Homeowners rush to finish construction projects in an attempt to beat Mother Nature’s next round of events — winter.
Fall ushers in an entire agenda of its own filled with special gatherings and an almost innate sense of the holiday season on our weather’s crisp horizon. But let there be no mistake about it, fall gives all of us a reason to celebrate and be thankful all year long.
In this issue, we do indeed celebrate the beauty of fall and all that it entails. We’ll delve into the inherent love we have of our kitchens, where we will gather with friends and family over the next months. We’ll discover the deeper reasons and importance for dressing our homes in the comfort of seasonal décor, which may surprise you. And join Inspired Home as we venture into some very special local relationships that not only were capable of designing home interiors but also are instrumental in designing new lives.
Last, but not least — we are fortunate to have a plethora of talented artists in our FM community. Please support them all by attending the FMVA 20th annual StudioCrawl, Oct 7-8, noon-6 p.m. to meet the the artists and marvel at their endeavors. It’s free!
As always, we share our love of great food, design, our natural world and special people in our community. We do it all for you!
Enjoy the Fall Issue!
Terri Ferragut Associate Publisher Editorial Director terri.ferragut@gmail.com terri@inspiredhomemagazine.com
Editorial Director
Terri Ferragut
Creative Director
Terri Ferragut
Art Director
Deborah Schultz
Director of Operations
Scott Drzewiecki
Contributing Photographers
Jill Ockhardt Blaufuss
Lauren Ferragut Carlson
Sarah Dolyniuck
Rennae Gruchalla
Bailey Hovland
Chelsey Malstrom
Kensie Wallace
Contributing Writers
Lauren Ferragut Carlson
Terri Ferragut
Rennae Gruchalla
Chelsey Malstrom
Granville Wood
Copy Editor
Keri Guten Cohen
Social Media Director
Bailey Hovland
Production representative
TERRI FERRAGUT
Every issue, we take great pride in presenting this beautiful local home and lifestyle guide we call Inspired Home. From design to great food our goal is to provide you with relevant information you value. Truth of the matter is, without the heart and dedication of this talented and professional team, this publication would not be possible. Issue after issue, their creativity brings Inspired Home to your doorstep or area business. They inspire me.
JILL OCKHARDT BLAUFUSS
Jill Ockhardt Blaufuss is a photographer for architecture and interior design. Her clients range from designers and builders, both commercial and residential. When she's not working she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, traveling and entertaining.
LAUREN F. CARLSON
recently moved back home to Fargo with her husband and daughter after living in Upstate New York for 8 years where she worked at Cornell University as a research technician. There she worked with hemp for CBD/grain/fiber and willow for bioenergy. After having a baby she took some time off to be a mom. She loves knitting, running, cross-stitch, and of course, Scandinavian baking.
SARAH DOLYNIUK
A career in the interior design world, along with a genuine interest in connection, led Sarah here to Inspired Home Magazine. She loves date nights (or days) with her boyfriend, nature photography (iphone style), walks with her dog, kissing on her rescue kitties, listening to podcasts, reading, yoga, antiquing, getting lost in a good television show, and enjoying a citrusy IPA or glass of wine.
BAILEY HOVLAND
Before earning an English writing degree at Concordia College, Hovland dreamed of being an interior designer. Now, serving Inspired Home Magazine as a writer and social media director, she has the best of both worlds—pairing the power of words with innovative interior design.
ASHLEY F. JOHNSON
Ashley Johnson loves her home city of Fargo. She works as a registered nurse at Sanford Medical Center and shares her happy home with her husband, 2 children and a rescue cat. She loves traveling with her family, cooking, entertaining and good wine. She can’t wait to show her children the world.
CHELSEY MALSTROM
Born and raised in Detroit Lakes, MN, Chelsey enjoys all things lakes country. Finding her love for wine working at Epcot Food and Wine Festival in 2012, she was thrilled to move back to Detroit Lakes to help run the family business. Today you can find her at Seven Sisters Spirits, planning events and helping people find the perfect wine.
KINSEY WALLACE
A licensed real estate agent and photographer based in the FM area, Kinsey can wholeheartedly say she found her calling and has met amazing people along the way! Obsessed with interior design and home renovation, she is, by her own admission, a true introvert that enjoys spending her free time traveling, reading, and enjoying the outdoors with her dogs, Finley and Murphy.
GRANVILLE WOOD
Wood is an international chef who worked in London, Stockholm, Toronto, Vancouver, Palm Beach and Houston before moving to Fargo with wife Susie, a doctor with Sanford Health. Most recently he operated The Blue Goose Café in the Plains Art Museum.
Since 1975, McArthur Tile Co. has offered the widest selection of tile and stone.
Dressed beautifully in black and white "attire," this showstopping kitchen emits elegance and timeless sophistication.
A black-and-white color palette is practical, easy on the eyes and a classic choice for a timeless look that’s relevant no matter what the trends in kitchen design may be. Black and white is also the perfect backdrop to show off other beautiful design elements.
A black-and-white kitchen can work on its own color terms but remains a blank canvas if you want to inject another color or other design elements you want to highlight. You can accent a black- andwhite kitchen with virtually any color.
For a bold, high-contrast look, add bright red, yellow or orange accents. Add a natural feel with shades of green or woody tones and, for added sophistication, incorporate metallic brass, gold or copper. Soften things up with pastel shades of literally any color. The possibilities are endless.
Black-and-white kitchens are also a great way to incorporate statement colors, simply by allowing the “stuff” of kitchen life — such as colorful fruit, vegetables
and dishware — to provide ever-changing pops of interesting color. Tone down the contrast of your blackand-white design goals by muting the black-and-white hues themselves. A lot of deep black-grays are being used in kitchen design to achieve the contrast of black and white, and it displays itself in a more subtle fashion.
Incorporate the natural beauty of wood into this design equation to instantly warm things up. Wood cabinetry, wooden beams on the ceiling, wood floors or a wood dining nook table will add cozy sophistication. If you choose white or off-white cabinetry, consider an island with a beautiful wood butcher-block top to create an organic and textural element that is truly timeless. Matte brass cabinet hardware with an aged patina and matte finish will also bring stylish warmth to the room. Black hardware is also popular with homeowners right now. Powder-coated, high-quality black pulls are a beautiful option that will stand out on a muted, white-colored backdrop.
Without kitchen texture design, your space could perhaps look dull, uninspired and a little bit uninviting. A black kitchen will always benefit from texture on its
Interesting vertical, horizontal and chevron patterns become a part of the overall design scheme in this contemporary kitchen space. Earthy woods, charcoal grays and a green pop of chair color tell the entire story of kitchen comfort.
The power of the earthy design elements of brick, wood, and black-and-white create a haven for these homeowners. With the windows as a natural backdrop of nature's expansive colors of green, black-and-white become the lesser players but still remain vital elements in the overall design scheme of this home. Design by Modern Mountain Cabinetry
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surfaces; so, if you want to create interest, one consideration is marble for your countertops. It will create a decorative aspect that will soften the overall feel of the space, and the gray-black marble veining on the kitchen counter is a stunning addition. Other great natural stone options for incorporating textured surfaces on your island top are leathered or honed black or deep-gray granites. They add another layer of textured elegance to your design theme. Create more interesting texture and softness with your window treatments or pillows around a dining nook.
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Fresh, clean minimalist vibes are present in this kitchen where black, white and warm woods play nicely together to achieve a sense of beautiful airiness and calm.
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The design elements are endless on a black-and-white kitchen design board. The exciting thing is you get to choose the star or stars and you can change the look as your taste and trends shift. Lighting fixtures can, in fact, become a striking focal point in the room. Dramatic range hoods, massive or double islands, high-contrast colors, warm metal accents on the bar stools, refrigerator pulls and plumbing hardware — all become strong design players that offer a multi-layered design theme you and your guests will love.
BY TERRI FERRAGUT
Born in Canada, this 94 -year-old American architect is known for his spectacular buildings, such as the Guggenheim Museum in Spain and the Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis. He designed this widely popular iconic chair made from corrugated cardboard in 1972.
Concerned it would take him from his true passion for architecture, he sold the design to a German company in 1982, where they continue to be made.
is something very special about chairs. A good chair is like a good friend — always there to offer solace and comfort. But just as important, chairs help define our own personal spaces, adding our own sense of style and character to a room. The enduring charm of a chair can be credited to its creator, who combined aesthetics and function while addressing comfort. A chair’s success can also be gauged by how well it expresses the age and culture in which it was created because it is this element that gives a chair its own emotionally engaging personality.
They can be deceptively simple, but the humble chair is more than meets the eye. They are living links to the past; they tell a complex story of history. From the stool to the throne, the chair is deeply seated in our cultures. The history of the chair goes back to the dawn of civilization when humans progressed from so-called “mat-sitting cultures” to societies that began developing different forms of seating in elevated positions.
In comparison to any other designed object, chairs evoke a physical and psychological interaction with those using them, earning their importance in the realm of design. Most well-known designers and architects over the years have, at some point in their careers, used their creative talents to design a chair. It is almost a rite of passage within those professions.
Even today as a symbolic object, whether in the form of a throne or an
Designed by German designer Michael Schmidt for Bross, an Italian tradition in chairs and furniture, comes this upholstered armchair structured in natural oak. Bross, the Swedish word for “cuddle,” provides Scandinavian design comfort and defines Italian traditions in creativity and innovation. bross.com
executive office chair, it signifies the status of its user, which also explains chair preference in our own daily lives. Each family member often has a preferred chair they love to sit in as a way of marking out their own space. With chairs claiming an integral part of our lives, it makes sense to “live” with the ones we love. So, sit back, relax and enjoy contemplating Inspired Home’s collection of both iconic and novel lovable chairs.
In 1909, architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed the “Side Chair” as a part of a commissioned project for designing the Frederick C. Robie House and furnishings in Highland Park, Illinois. This was his first masterpiece in the Prairie School design style. Wright created multiple iconic chair designs that are prominent throughout multiple U.S. National Historic Landmarks.
Founded in 1933, with vision, strenuous effort and pride, this Danish family created Skovby Furniture, dedicated to designing sustainable and functional furniture. With 80 years of experience in furniture design and a strong opinion on raw materials, production and design, the Sleigh Chair is an iconic beauty representing Danish design at its best and can be found locally at the scandesign showrooms, DT Fargo and Grand Forks. scandesignnd.com
Born in Germany in 1886, Mies, a German-American architect and furniture designer, was regarded as one of the pioneers of modern architecture. Famous for the Seagram Building in New York City and many others, his Barcelona Chair created for the King and Queen of Spain in 1929 met with huge success. The proportionate refinement of its leather and stainless steel, much like his architecture, remains still popular today.
Designed for Ethimo, the Knit Collection is a stunning group of furniture that reflects the warmth and sunshine of Italian landscapes. This pickled teak and woven lava-gray rope, high-back wing chair is suitable for indoors or outdoors. A perfect expression of comfort, it is a combination of Italian aesthetics, functionality and ergonomics. ethimo.com
Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1902, architect and furniture designer Arne Jacobsen remains one of the most significant figures in Danish history. Respected for his visionary Mid-Century designs, his Egg Chair was created in 1958 for the lobby of the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen as a part of his commission as a furniture and lighting designer. The design remains popular today.
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4. PATRICK NORUET, GARDEN CHAIR 5. ARNE JACOBSEN, EGG CHAIRThis Italian chair designed like an ancient archetype is suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Its thin metal frame is durable, powdered coated and embraces the user with its soft upholstered fabric. The comfortable seat with a distinctive backrest has been created with sustainable and ethical practices — the very essence of comfort without compromising functionality.
Pursuing his training in Barcelona, Nguyen founded his studio in Milan where he ultimately designed furniture and lighting for major brands for high-quality industries in North America, Europe and Asia. These included Brown Jordan, Turri Design, Fendi and more. His design goal is to create a physical and emotional experience with the end user.
Fargo artisan Steven Mark Revland has been crafting tables and chairs for over half a century. This iconic “Signature Chair,” originally designed in 1988, brought him national acclaim through his appearances on HGTV. After creating 75 of them — signed, numbered and dated between 1988 and 2010 — he retired the chair but continues to craft his iconic brand. steverevland.com.
It starts with a spark of personal interest. Maybe a piece of art you love, beautiful books or perhaps a photo of a special trip or fond memory.
Still life decor may be described as small “sculptures” arranged in your home using different elements you love in infinite variations, with various themes and compositions, just like the artist would do before painting them on a canvas. Whether designing a tablescape, arranging objects on a buffet, displaying collectibles, or staging the various mantels and tabletops in our homes, in essence, we are creating our own still life work of art. Often called a vignette or a special moment in time, we are experimenting with form, light and composition, just like an artist would.
Vignettes play an interesting part in interior design. They are simply a small collection of items arranged in a visually appealing way that tells a story. What constitutes a vignette can also help define its function in a space and determine what story it will tell. When arranging or staging objects, you are experimenting with different forms and textures and watching to see how the light plays off the different items. The Dutch call this form of art stilleven, the French call it nature morte, it’s stilleben in German and natura morte in Italian. The very definition is “an arrangement of inanimate objects, such as flowers or fruit, in painting, photography or décor.”
The Basics: smooth, textured, living
It’s a good idea to mix materials from each of the above categories. “Smooth” could be a mirrored tray, a glass cloche or metal. “Living” can mean a plant, a seashell, a vase of flowers or a piece of driftwood. It doesn’t have to be alive, just something that lives in nature. Having this element makes the space feel more organic and less staged. “Textured” might take the form of a succulent, a rock or weathered wood. Choose items you love.
Choose the right location. Pick a spot with adequate illumination (from natural or artificial light) in a prominent place in a space for easy viewing. Consider how the light changes over the course of the day — how it will interact with your still life.
Subtle, simplistic and powerful in form, this grouping of various sizes, shapes and color create a soothing and gentle still-life presentation.
Metals, ceramics, textures and fresh greens come together to define a perfect kitchen still-life – visually interesting and easy to accomplish.
Consider spacing. A thoughtful approach to selecting and grouping objects in a vignette is key — think curated, not cluttered. Each object should be able to be viewed and appreciated both as a single item and as part of a larger group or story.
Choose objects to support a theme and the style of your room. If your room is formal, a symmetrical design works best. If the room is casual, asymmetrical groupings are better. And again, think curated, not cluttered.
Use color that highlights the room’s palette or further define its design style (organic farmhouse, lake home, contemporary, etc.), enhancing the room’s overall style ambiance. Use elements that bring you joy. Art, flowers, candles or stacked books can add an interesting pop of color.
Display items in varying sizes and odd numbers. A variety of heights and shapes adds interest and is pleasing to the eye. Try stacking books to add height and create a platform for smaller objects. Choose an anchor piece to add visual weight to create a focal point for your grouping. Suggestion: Use a mirror, painting or framed photos as that statement and anchor piece.
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Another example of simplistic elegance that creates comfort and relaxation. An interplay of height and color creates beauty and depth in this bathroom.
Kitchen areas create unique spaces for a still life vignette. A collection of different shaped and sized cheese boards leaning against the backsplash adds warmth. Different-shaped glass bottles with freshly picked herbs, oils and vinaigrettes create a special charm. Group cookbooks, a vase of colorful flowers, a bowl of
Bedroom areas should be peaceful retreats. Use your bedside table or dresser top to create a restful still life. Lamps, books, jewelry boxes, photo frames, perfume bottles, potted plants or a vase of flowers — all
Fall is present in this thoughtful and creative living room arrangement that includes multiple textures, fresh greens and complementing subtle colors.
Beauty interpreted by a grouping of thoughtful and related elements on this wooden tray bring interest and a sense of connectivity to this room.
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create a charming look grouped on a glass or mirrored tray.
The result of your endeavors should first and foremost reflect you and what you love — a still life that will create
special meaning for you personally. The design result is your own special style that not only speaks to you but creates a mood in your home that family and guests will appreciate, too!
Joy isn’t always born of big gestures or monumental days. It can arrive in quiet little moments, too, like creating and enjoying seasonal décor on and around our homes. Decorating for fall provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for our anticipated cool season. It plays an important role in our culture, as people across the globe find joy in decorating their homes and workspaces to celebrate life and brighten moods.
The simple elegance of this place setting conveys a powerful message that brings the warm wish – you are welcome here.
Whether you realize it or not, decorating for fall every year means that you have established a tradition, which is a good thing for a multitude of reasons. Traditions can remind us of good times and give us something to look forward to. It might be something that you’ve carried on from your own childhood — when you would go trick-or-treating with friends or carving
A beautiful fall season "still-life" is pictured here that celebrates the harvest season through Thanksgiving. Attention to multiple textures and layered heights of the elements involved bring design interest and beauty. Seasonal pillows are an easy way to add comforting charm to any room.
pumpkins with siblings. It gives us a chance to celebrate our homes.
The colors of fall alone can evoke positive feelings. Colors can influence our mood and can actually create a surge of dopamine, our happiness hormone. Some first things that might come to mind when thinking of the fall season are pumpkins, gourds, bales of hay, corn and
cornstalks, autumn foliage, cinnamon, apple cider, warm drinks — and the list goes on.
Pumpkins are considered a favorite icon for fall since they play a big role in Halloween and are available during the fall harvest. These autumnal squashes make excellent home decor pieces both continued on page 40
I’ve used Designing Women 2 for many projects at my condo in Fargo and my lake home. In the end, it was always better than I could imagine, I highly recommend them!
- Shannon Charpentier, Rose Lake
We hired Designing Women 2 for a complete makeover of our lake home. They made the process fun and exciting, we would recommend them 1000000%!
- Deb & Brad Wimmer, Detroit Lake
Barbara Benda, awardwinning professional artist and educator, and twin sister, Beverly Benda, have been drawing and painting for years. Their unique home-based gallery offers a huge variety of original watercolors, acrylics, and mixedmedia collages at all price points.
Don't forget your outdoor areas this fall. This arrangement is beautifully orchestrated by multiple heights, textures and colors that complement each other. Seasonal pillows
Nature does her "thing" on this front step. This welcoming entrance to the home is a cheerful reminder of the seasonal beauty fall
Nature oftentimes can supply you with the perfect elements for creating a stunning composition. A rattan chair, seasonal pillow and colorful coleus – perfection.
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Make passersby of all ages smile with the humor and charm of these friendly witches. These special hand-holding ladies are available in sets of three from Grandin Road. Made of fabric, they come with pre-lit heads and metal yard stakes to secure them.
There won't be a "ghost-of-a-chance" of disappointing trick-and-treaters this year with these friendly ghosts having fun in your front yard this Halloween. Be the talk of the block in your neighborhood with these ghoulish friends from Grandin Road. Made of fabric, they come with pre-lit heads and yard stakes.
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Tankless water heater system install:
“Great experience. Dan was very friendly and was able to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Will definitely plan to hire him again for future projects.”
— Kyle J., Fargo, ND
“All Weather Plumbing has been our go-to plumbing contractor for years. Dan, Buck and his crew are awesome! I can call at 6 am or 6 pm when we have an emergency and they always come through from clogged sewers to water main breaks. They’re extremely knowledgeable, having helped us on many challenging projects.”
— Steve Carr, Key Contracting
When it’s time for a professional, give us a call for all your plumbing repairs and installations.
Enjoy
Such an awesome experience! Bryan and Andrea were so helpful and professional throughout the entire process. Enjoyed working with both of them so much and would highly recommend Kitchen Refresh! Our new kitchen is beautiful! Thank you!!
All that is needed is a small amount of creativity and some very basic "tools-of-thetrade" to make this trio. Pumpkins, skeletons and brooms are a perfect combination to come alive indoors or outdoors. What better way than this to bring a smile to someone's face?
spookily carved for a Halloween feeling or uncarved for a more natural seasonal look that is also perfect for Thanksgiving. Try mixing different varieties for a more interesting look and break up the traditional solid orange with the stunning new varieties and colors available from aqua to warm white.
Being able to decorate for the time of year is a way of celebrating home. More than ever, it’s helpful for our abode to feel relaxing, comfortable and inviting. Enjoying and anticipating these traditions has the power to create some predictability in an unpredictable world. We gathered up some great inspiration right here for accentuating fall at your home or office. Begin your own beautiful traditions with these inspirations for accentuating fall at your home. Enjoy celebrating the Fall season!
Since 2007 our mission has been to offer the highest level of customer experience. Every Brookstone home we build is built to the highest standard.
friendly communities and neighborhoods located throughout Fargo, West Fargo, Horace and Wahpeton. ▪ Multiple plan options to choose from ▪ A variety of design selections
Ste
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RENNAE GRUCHALLA
hosts, goblins and skeletons will cover the North Country National Scenic Trail at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29. The frightening old witch will again appear to lead eager participants down the crooked lane, over the hill and into the forest. Who will be lurking under that rickety old bridge that we must cross? You’ll have to come and find out for yourself! Bring your children and grandchildren — in costume, if they wish — to a 2.5-mile easy hike as we enjoy the season and learn about the surrounding nature.
The children will be looking for “tree cookies” as they try to identify trees along the trail, collecting as many “cookies” as possible. The trees have something interesting connected to them, which will help the children as well as adults identify them. A few examples of this are the helicopter seeds of the box elders, the skis of the basswoods, the rough bark of the bur oak and the heavy limbs of the ironwoods.
As we head back to the trailhead, a campfire will await participants. After a few riveting Halloween games with “Old Mother Witch,” children and adults alike will be ready to enjoy s’mores and spooky conversation.
Experiencing the natural world by walking
in nature is healthy for children as well as adults. There is accumulating research that spending time in nature is necessary for healthy folks of all ages. While it’s true that heart disease and other negative effects of children’s physical inactivity usually take decades to develop, another result is more readily documented: Kids get depressed!
Spending
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Spending more time in natural surroundings causes the broadening of senses, physiologically and psychologically, which relieves stress and adds to the richness of life. A growing body of research links our mental, physical and spiritual health directly to our association with nature — in positive ways. It offers something that streets and alleys, computers and video games cannot.
The Halloween Hike is an opportunity to both physically and mentally get out into nature, so join us for this fun and unique Halloween hike! See you on the trails!
The North Country National Scenic Trail is one of 11 National Scenic Trails in the United States. It enters North Dakota from Minnesota, where it crosses the Red River at Fort Abercrombie. It reaches its conclusion at Lake Sakakawea State Park, 475 miles to the northwest. This is not only the end of the trail in North Dakota, but also where the Western Terminus of the entire 4,800-mile national trail is located. The NCT is the longest of all the National Scenic Trails and is located right here in our state. How fortunate we are to have a National Scenic Trail pass through our own backyard.
The North Country Trail features a wealth of natural, scenic, cultural, recreational and historic sites as it passes through eight northern-tier states, from North Dakota to Vermont. You can take a hike beginning at the Western Terminus in Lake Sakakawea State Park and hike all the way to Middlebury, Vermont, where the Eastern Terminus is located. Here it meets the Appalachian Trail and continues to Georgia, a total of 7,000 miles. Are you up for this challenge?
The Halloween Hike is sponsored by the Dakota Prairie Chapter of the NCT, which extends 101 miles from the Red
Scary witches are just a part of the fun and excitement you'll experience on the North Country Trail!
The Halloween witch, with hiking boots and all, will share her knowledge along the trail with the old and young alike.
River at Fort Abercrombie to the Sheyenne State Forest west of Lisbon, North Dakota. Want more information about the local Dakota Prairie Chapter?
Contact: Rennae Gruchalla, hikes and trails outreach for the Dakota Prairie Chapter of the North Country National Scenic Trail.
Email: rgruch@aol.com
Cell: 701.866.2685
(a 45-minute drive from FM)
Travel south on I-29 to the Kindred exit, turn west and travel past Kindred on SR 46 until you reach the SR 18 turn. Turn south and travel 5 miles, after passing over the Sheyenne River Bridge, look to your left, this is the Albert Ekre Happy Days Preserve, where you will park.
With the homeowner’s love of cooking, entertaining and family, this kitchen boasts its design mission with the centered beauty of the 9 feet 6-inch island. The Viatera “Thunderstorm” countertop commands the eye of all who enter the space. The kitchen perimeter features Viatera Quartet and the highly textural, glossy backsplash is by Glazzio, the IN collection.
Here, a cozy conversation area features a unique wallpaper and stone combination for the fireplace surround. The lower chevron design-style tile from Glazzio is comprised of a beautiful medley of natural stone and mirror. A two-way fireplace melds the living room and outdoor living space. Fire, interesting lighting and leather seating create the perfect scenario for conversation.
For these homeowners, living downtown offered a fresh breath of livability, a new home and a new life. The energy of downtown Fargo was exhilarating and enticing. Walkability, a sense of community, culture and the beating heart of a new adventure and what was to come, all became important threads in a tapestry now well-woven. On the other side of town in South Fargo, another place and space would also become important in the lives of these same homeowners. Meet homeowners Kim and Rob Lauf and interior designer Kris Carlson of designingwomen2.
Designers tend to develop positive and trusting relationships with their clients and this project was no exception — and this is where the story begins. Kim Lauf and Kris Carlson first met “many houses ago,”
having designed all the Lauf home interiors throughout the years, including their beloved lake home. For the Laufs, there was no hesitation. Carlson would be tasked with their new home build. “Combining forces was just natural,” Lauf adds.
Having owned a previous condo on the south end of Broadway, the Laufs knew they enjoyed the energy of living downtown. Brief walking distances to area parks, events their grandchildren love, public art and the vibrancy that people enjoyed in the downtown culture all made their new home’s location decision easy. “The proximity to NDSU and Daily’s market were fundamental priorities. The ability to walk to a market for sundries was essential. Although late-night runs for popcorn from the theater might have been
an additional selling point,” Lauf quips. Their new home’s design was to be on one level and centered on family. “We wanted a large outdoor patio, an airy, open kitchenfamily room space” and, Lauf emphasizes, all spaces were to be “kid and dog friendly.” Carlson instinctively understood what design features were important to the Laufs. She adds, “Kim and Rob wanted a fabulous area to entertain their family and friends. Kim is a phenomenal cook.”
With that in mind, Carlson set out to create a beautiful and welcoming kitchen. The outdoor living area, an extra design bonus, created a perfect solution for extended family gatherings with a two-way fireplace to create comfort, conversation and warmth on chilly fall days.
The mutual trust and respect that grew between Lauf and Carlson throughout the years led the two women and their vibrant personalities to become fast friends, supporting each other through personal highs and lows in their lives. The friendship
A perfect spot for that first cup of morning coffee. Its position on the far end of the kitchen and island creates close proximity to retrieving that extra cup of espresso and another croissant.
Homeowner Kim Lauf smiles for the Inspired Home camera as she enjoys another area directly off the main kitchen to relax, review her schedule for the day and have a quick cup of coffee.
Total glamour describes the master bedroom in its tone-on-tone design. The copper-golden feather art displayed above the bed is not only visually captivating but also acts as a stunning “headboard” that completes and balances the space.
Copper-golden “starburst” lighting and bed tables in beaded golden trim and mirror are perfect partners in elegance.
became invaluable for both women. Lauf shares, “Kris and I have worked together on various projects for over two decades, including nonprofit and volunteer efforts for recovery. I have volunteered and worked with Kris painting sober homes in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and cooked Christmas dinners for the F5 Project community.” Locally since 2016, the F5 Project has provided personalized support to incarcerated individuals to deter repeat offenses by providing services to individuals struggling with incarceration, mental health and addiction.
Lauf, who has struggled with addiction herself, is thankful for Carlson’s friendship and support. “Kris has a place in my own recovery journey over many years as well. Soul Solutions Recovery Center has been integral in my recovery, as well as my husband Rob’s through their family program.” Lauf is passionate about her recovery and thankful for Soul Solutions and the effective program that guided her to where she is today. Her grateful heart led to another design project for Carlson — Soul Solutions Recovery Center in South Fargo.
Carlson shares, “I had the honor of attending Kim’s one-year medallion meeting at the Soul Solutions Recovery Center, celebrating one year of sobriety. I think Kim and I had the same
thought in the same second immediately after that meeting. As we looked around the group meeting room, we felt that surrounding environments matter for every disease, including addiction. We decided to take one room at a time to create a warm and welcoming place of healing for everyone who would be utilizing the space.”
Her design strategy was one of comfort, warmth and meaning. “The large green 24 on the wall reminds us that what we are promised is today, and to live only in the 24 hours.” She wanted seating to add true comfort like home, not an office chair. She envisioned
Simple beauty made profound. To make a room feel more spacious, Carlson suggests, “In small spaces use large format tiles,” and that she did, with these stunning 2 feet X four feet marble tiles. Tone on tone again, is a theme that bathes any room in sophistication.
Golden tear-drop lighting descends upon Lauf’s bathroom with a soft shimmering presence. The tone-on-tone palette creates a beautiful backdrop for all the bathroom décor, hardware and mirror.
Reversal of design attitude here in a bathroom made sophisticated and masculine for Lauf’s 6-foot 8-inch husband Rob. Tonal grays with complementing warm wood flooring and a “super-sized” vanity to comfortably accommodate her husband equal a design success.
tables between the chairs so no one had to put their water or coffee on the floor. Visually appealing wall art rather than cold, blank spaces was important as was the proper lighting. Carlson stands firm in her belief that furniture and accessories that add warmth have a way of comforting people and conveying the message that they matter — in all types of healing. Although all projects are important to Carlson, the giving of her time, talents and treasures in creating environments that matter is a distinct honor in her life.
Designer Kris Carlson, designingwomen2 and Kim Lauf sit proudly in comfortable new chairs surrounded by the completed design effort to create an inviting home-like atmosphere in the Soul Solutions gathering space. The number 24 has great significance to the participants in the recovery program. Carlson says, The large green 24 on the wall reminds us that what we are promised is today, and to live only in the 24 hours.”
If you need help or would like more information on Soul Solutions Recovery Center, please call 701.356.7772 or visit soulsolutions.org.
A beautiful office created for Rob Lauf was designed in comforting earthy neutrals that wrap around from the ceiling to the walls. Shelves speckled with treasured items of memorabilia and the dedicated wall space for the revered tribute to the NDSU Bison team was a must for the fervent Lauf family fans.
Creating a special room for the fabric arts that Kim Lauf is passionate about was an important part of the design plan – quilting and sewing are among her favorite. With the addition of a drop-down Murphy bed, the work table vanishes and instantly the room becomes a spare bedroom for guests, complete with storage on both sides of the bed.
The old adage, “It takes teamwork to make the dream work,” rang true as a clarion for the Lauf project. Lauf refers to Project Manager Peter Schreiner as her “everyday hero,” and Carlson credits Showcase Floors, Northern Stone, Bits Cabinets, All Weather Plumbing and Matty B. Electric for keeping her line of work from ever feeling like a job.
Project Manger | Peter Schreiner
Stone Fabrication | Northern Stone
Flooring and Tile | Showcase Floors
Cabinetry | Bits Cabinets
Plumbing | All Weather Plumbing
Electric | Matty B. Electric
Interior Design | Kris Carlson, owner, designingwomen2
Although you may feel you are strolling down a street in Louisburg Square in Boston, Massachusetts or down a street in Dublin, Ireland, these striking 9 residences are in North Fargo on The Great Northern Block. The vibrancy of downtown Fargo was a winning vote for the Laufs.
Kitchens are for living. They are personal, and no home is complete without one. No two kitchens are identical. Every kitchen represents the subtle and not-so-subtle preferences of its owners, as well as the creative efforts of the design and remodeling professionals who helped make it all happen.
This Moroccan Zellige tile crafted in Tangier is made from a unique natural clay, kneaded with water, molded by hand and dried naturally in the sun. Raw tiles are kiln-fired to create “biscuits” called Bejmat. They then are glazed tile by tile in a variety of colors before a second firing that will set the enamel. The last step is cutting into multiple shapes and size. Zellige-tiles.com
Less than a hundred years ago, the kitchen was nothing more than a humble space for food preparation. Today, the kitchen has taken on a whole new level of importance. It’s an area in our homes that has gone through not just an evolution, but more of a revolution. Not only does it contain everything needed to prepare meals, but it is also a vibrant hub linked to our daily lives. Used for working in, cooking in, meeting in and entertaining, it has morphed into a vital center of communications. This hallowed space is the most important room in our home because it provides us with focus and direction. Inspired Home is excited to share these beautiful reasons why we love our kitchens. Enjoy!
A timeless design meets a timeless color, slate gray. Incorporating a 1950s-era aesthetic, Smeg’s nod to the past is the star of today’s kitchen, incorporating current advances in technology. With its charming bullet shape and fun chrome metal accents, the drip coffee maker delivers up to 10 cups of delicious coffee, adjustable for aroma levels from light to intense. creativekitchenfargo.com
Unique details and quality that matter define the Uttermost Gallery of Lighting. Here, refined industrial looks give these mini pendants their eclectic design roots, with a complementary antique brass finish. Dressed up with a sophisticated textured brown leather band at the top, the Edison-type design look is both inspiring and contemporary chic. shopthelightinggallery.com
In this glamorous kitchen design, the glossy white backsplash tiles add a clean, dramatic appeal. The same tiles are also used on the range hood to create a continuous and harmonious look. White countertops bring a fresh feel to compliment the wood flooring and the island’s deep blue hue in Benjamin Moore paint, Hale Navy. benjaminmoore.com
Keeping your kitchen organized may feel like a challenge, but staying tidy in style isn’t as difficult as it seems. With the proper shelving, functional storage and a thought-out plan of attack, your kitchen can transform into a space that is equal parts clutter-free and gorgeous. This show-stopping glass storage area is literally an artful showcase for all to view. durasupreme.com
An oversized kitchen island is a great way to maximize your kitchen. A large kitchen island can serve as a cooktop, dining table, kitchen sink and more. Create an all-in-one mini-kitchen that includes space for a refrigerator, warming drawers, prep area, cooking or baking space, dishwashing area, or more cabinets for food or dish storage. Impressive! durasupreme.com, design by Mariotti Building Products
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Ruvati injects striking color into the gray world of stainless steel with the new collection of Terraza modern farmhouse sinks. Metallic tones from bronze and copper to gunmetal add a sophisticated pop of color to any style kitchen. Built with superior construction including matching color strainer and heavy-duty SoundGuard, which muffles dishwashing “clinks” and other tasks. northernstone.com, ruvati.com
Add a sleek and modern touch to any space by incorporating metals into your kitchen area. Consider your overall design style. For a more traditional design style, you may want to opt for brass or copper accents. For a modern kitchen, consider stainless steel or blackened steel accents. Copper pots, metal hardware and metal lighting fixtures are easy ways to start. durasupreme.com, design by Mariotti Building Products
Cabinets, in their natural state, with no paint or colored stain applied, are a great choice for those looking to add a rustic-refined touch to create a warm, inviting look in your home’s most hardworking space. Natural wood allows flexibility in other finishes and when combined with modern appliances and clean design it makes a beautiful design statement. shopthelightinggallery.com
Straight out of Downton Abbey, the scullery trend is growing. As a space to move the messiest aspects of meal preparation and cleanup, many homeowners even opt to add prep sinks, a refrigerator, a second dishwasher, wine and beverage fridges, microwaves, ice makers and cabinets for storage. Perfect for entertaining. designdirection.com, aahomedesigns.com, ockhardtphoto.com
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OCTOBER 7 & 8, 2023 • NOON – 6 PM
ALL STUDIOS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FREE OF CHARGE
FARGO MOORHEAD VISUAL ARTISTS fmva.org“
” Every kitchen represents the subtle and not-so-subtle preferences of its owners, as well as the creative efforts of the design and remodeling professionals who helped make it all happen.
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freshens the air, creating a healthier space. room. durasupreme.com, design by Mariotti
Traversing America in the Fall brings local produce into the limelight, showcasing endless traditional foods from a myriad of cultures. Kolaches are traditional Czech open-faced pastries filled with a delicious multitude of fillings.
It’s blisteringly hot in Texas as I am writing this. Even with autumn on the horizon, there is not a whiff of cool air to be found. I am indoors taking in some well-appreciated AC while picking up a box of Czech-inspired kolaches. A Texan Saturday morning tradition is to pick up freshly baked kolaches, and I am waiting in line to pick a few up for my flight back to Fargo in a few hours. Aside from the traditional fruit-filled and sausage varieties, I am here for the latest exciting “farmstand” versions featuring local autumn farm ingredients. Don’t misunderstand this gesture; these aren’t for my family back home.
They are insurance food for flight delays and cancellations and probably won’t make it past my first connection. My family will get some new versions after I hit the West Acres Farmers Market and load up on local treasures.
Kolaches are a traditional open-faced Czech pastry filled with various fruits, jams, fresh cheese or a poppy seed jam mixture. Czechs brought these soft, yeast-dough delights to Texas as they inhabited the state. It didn’t take long for the diverse Texas population (German, Polish, cowboy and Mexican) to put their stamp on this classic. Wrapping beautiful, tender dough around juicy
Estonian Pirukas are a traditional hand-held pie filled with beef, ham, cabbage, rice, mushrooms, eggs and onions then baked or fried.
Since the 16th century, Peruvian and Argentinian empanadas are traditional and tasty variations of a hand-held pie. Flour-based dough surrounds beef, chicken, ham, and cheese with onions, peppers, olives and hard-boiled eggs.
Mexican Motoles are hand pie pastries filled with combinations of meats, beans, cheese, potatoes, onions and more. Rolled into cigar shapes or ovals, they are deep-fat fried to a crispy brown. Pictured are chorizo, potato and cheese-filling motoles.
European-style sausage, with cheese and pickled jalapenos, is a fantastic twist that soon took hold. With a new era of chefs and consciousness about local foods and the farm-to-table movement, change is in the wind.
Across the world, there is some version of a hand pie or convenient item that can be pre-made and used as a sack lunch for school, a working man’s nourishment, hikers or a picnic in the park. Peruvian or Argentinian empanadas, famous British Cornish pasties that fed many a fisherman as they hauled in cod for fish and chips. Greek spanakopita, Estonian pirukas and Mexican molotes are all tasty examples. Most hand-pie items bear several similarities. They are handmade pies using a simple dough or pastry recipe, and fillings are regional and reflect ethnic tastes and locally accessed ingredients. This workingclass hand-held meal soon elevated to replace soggy bread sandwiches on trendy menus around the world.
In America, Thanksgiving is probably the most celebrated holiday when families gather around tables laden with autumn’s bounty, enjoying leftovers for days — a perfect time to get creative. Take those
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INGREDIENTS
1 cup fresh corn kernels or frozen, defrosted
15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup red pepper, seeded and diced
1 cup red onion, diced jalapeno, seeded and diced fine
Toss all the ingredients and set aside.
1 cup English cucumber, medium diced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, medium diced
½ cup cilantro, coarsely chopped
½ cup basil leaves, coarsely chopped
Toss all the ingredients together and set aside.
INGREDIENT
½ cup canola oil
¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
2 Tbsp. unflavored rice wine vinegar
1 Tbsp. honey
1 Tbsp. cumin powder
½ Tbsp. chili powder
A few turns of fresh black pepper & kosher salt to taste.
Combine all the ingredients and whisk until smooth. Adjust seasoning and reserve.
TO ASSEMBLE SALSA
Heat a 12-inch skillet with a small amount of canola oil to lightly coat the pan and heat until shimmering. Add the corn and bean mixture in an even layer. Turn up the heat to high and give the mixture a quick toss, getting a little char on the corn. Remove from heat and put back in the bowl. Pour dressing over mixture and toss.
Fold in cucumber tomato and herbs. Toss well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
timely flavors and encase them in a flaky pastry handheld pie for school lunches, golfing snacks, the bridge group or a hike in the woods to see the fall leaves. Think sliced turkey, roasted sweet potato and cranberries, or meaty slices of roasted butternut squash, maple pecans and caramelized shallots. There is happiness in every bite.
It’s autumn in New Mexico, time for the Hatch Chile Festival, something everyone should experience.
Hatch chilies are synonymous with New Mexico and have a unique flavor and a heat level suitable for “gringo” North Dakotans. Whole Foods Market does a good job of setting up roasters outside its markets around the country with the smell of roasting chilies filling the air, and it is glorious. Roasted chilies with their unique flavor and mild spice lend themselves to breakfast dishes, soups and salsas.
Hatch chiles aren’t readily available here but canned diced green chiles in the Hispanic section of your grocery store are a suitable substitute, drained and rinsed. Add fresh sweet corn, black beans (drained and rinsed), diced red onion, red peppers, cucumber, fresh cilantro and a touch of cumin. Give it a flash sauté in a hot pan with a neutral oil and you have a great salad/salsa accompaniment for roast chicken.
Serve with diced ripe avocado, a big squeeze of lime and sour cream. Now picture slices of roasted chicken, some nutty arugula, jack
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Greek spanakopitas are another variation of the handmade pie using regional filings that reflect ethnic tastes and ingredients. Feta cheese and spinach create a delicious traditional Greek filling.
cheese and this corn/black bean salsa wrapped in a corn tortilla and fried. A perfect handheld snack or lunch.
Another farmers’ market item — beets paired with kale — are elevated to culinary heights. I love sliced, pickled beets. Now farmers’ markets have several varieties on hand, and they are so much fun to incorporate into salads — deep red, golden yellow and candystriped chioggia. Roasting whole beets, with their skin on, intensifies the flavor through their sugar content. Slip the skin off while still warm, and then cool. Slice the beets and pair them with a tart goat’s cheese and grilled red peppers. Serve it with a lemon Dijon vinaigrette at Thanksgiving dinner or wrap in pastry and bake for a fantastic handheld pie.
Great produce can stand alone but direct fire, slow roasting or smoking takes them to a whole new level.
My favorite fruit is the tomato. I know the pleasure of eating a sun-ripened tomato, still warm from the afternoon, sitting on the porch eating it like an apple as its juices run down my chin. Take that pristine tomato and lightly smoke it, roast it or dehydrate it and the flavor profile changes.
Be bold and experiment with the bounties of fall!
“For 41 years, the Hildebrant family farm has proudly served the FM area with fresh, naturally grown fruits, vegetable and flowers.”
— Trina Hildebrant Kalm, third generation farmer
fresh
Everybody likes to try their hand at cooking. Your kitchen becomes your workstation – where you learn, practice and perfect the art of cooking. Quality cooking tools are essential in that process. Meet the Hestan culinary cookware collections. Made in Italy, Hestan is found in the most demanding kitchens of acclaimed chefs. Each Hestan collection of cookware combines high-performance and highly-durable materials that cooks beautifully and looks stunning for years to come. We encourage you to discover the Hestan Advantage at Creative Kitchen.
nanoBond A tried-and-true favorite Hestan Collection. Made of molecular titanium, this cookware is 400% stronger than typical stainless steel and has 3 layers of internal aluminum completely bonded for 35% faster heat conduction. Flush handle rivets prevent food particle build-up. Withstanding heat up to 1050 degrees Fahrenheit, they are perfect for searing or even cooking on the grill! Scratch and stain-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and remarkably easy to clean. The 5 and 10-piece sets are perfect to outfit any kitchen. Lifetime warranty.
Thomas Keller Insignia
Customed designed and kitchen-proven for Hestan by Chef Thomas Keller of French Laundry restaurant fame, Napa Valley, CA., this cookware collection sets a new standard for professional culinary performance. Its seamless handles, flush rivets, universal lids, triplebonded construction and pure aluminum core deliver 35% greater heat conduction. The only Hestan collection with nonstick options, the 7-piece set is a great value with 1 universal
ovenBond Bring lasting performance to the kitchen with sheet pans and bakers crafted from triple-bonded clad stainless steel. Its responsive aluminum core is designed for even heat to produce beautifully browned and roasted foods. Warpresistant clad roasting sheet pans feature wide curved handles for a firm hold when taking sheets from the oven. Brushed stainless steel interiors and polished exteriors give these pans a lasting aesthetic that keeps them looking
safe and oven safe to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.
roasTers Hestan
CopperBond The stunning beauty and a pure copper core deliver exceptional heat conduction and control, while the stainless base and cooking surface back it up with heavy-duty durability and superior cooktop induction compatibility. Skillets and saucepans have 20% greater cooking surface area with their gently sloped sides. High-grade steel and flush rivets provide an easy-cleaning and cooking surface. Lifetime warranty.
Provisions are essential for your kitchen. A durable tri-ply 18/10 stainless steel with an aluminum core, creates exceptional heat conductivity – perfect for sauce-based reductions, gravies, deglazing, or searing on the stovetop. Flush rivets mean quick cleanups and ergonomic handles allow safe roaster removal from oven to table. A stainless steel rack elevates meat or poultry for fast, even cooking. Oven safe to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, this commercial grade roaster is broiler safe and induction compatible. Our culinary-grade premium nonstick roaster provides effortless food release and easy cleaning. Engineered for durability, it’s oven safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
lid and 6 cookware pieces. Lifetime warranty.
newer, longer. This gourmet ovenware is broiler-
II became curious after hearing the name of this cake. It sounded intriguing — like something served to an emperor or empress in a far-off land. Its delicious roots originated in Poland in 1936, when Jan Wedel, owner of the E. Wedel confectionery company, created a new milk-based candy, an airy meringue, rectangular in shape, covered in chocolate. He named it ptasie Mleczko or bird’s milk in Polish, referring in Slavic languages to “something rare and precious.”
In folklore, “bird’s milk” can be traced back to early Greek literature, meaning “unobtainable delicacy” — a perfect namesake for this incredible treat. In the 1960s, a Russian pastry chef transformed and developed this desirable confection into a cake, which remains popular in Central European countries still today.
Its meringues consist of sugar and whipped egg whites, but Jan added one more ingredient — milk, which yielded a creamy, airy meringue. There are many variations for Bird’s Milk Cake; I found two types. One is a sponge cake base, topped with meringue and chocolate glaze; the other has multiple layers of honey cakes with custard and buttercream covered in smooth chocolate ganache. I opted to make the latter.
I started by making a filling unfamiliar to me — a delicious buttercream that had custard whipped into it. The custard adds a subtle sweetness and takes no more than a few minutes to make. This entire cake is just a series of steps, each taking only a few minutes. The batter for the cakes came together exactly the same as the dough used to make cream puffs. It became a large, thick, tacky dough rather than a batter and it kneaded and rolled in the same way. Knead the dough for a few minutes, long enough to become smooth, incorporating flour as needed. I added a couple of extra teaspoons of flour to my pastry board to let the dough take in a bit more. The recipe says to roll each layer to a 10-inch diameter — mine were closer to 9 inches. You want to roll it thin, so thin that you can see your countertop through the dough.
Notice in my photos that I used a bowl to cut perfect circles after baking my 9-inch rounds. You want to do this immediately after the rounds come out of the oven. If you wait too long, the cakes will crack as you try to cut them. Let me just say, save the scraps for snacks! These cakes, honey crisps really, are delicious on their own.
Layer and frost the filling on each layer. While making the ganache, place the cake in the fridge to set up the filling. Once the ganache is ready, pour it over the cake top, starting in the center and let the ganache naturally settle and trickle down the sides. I garnished my cake with currants and berries because I had them in my refrigerator. Be creative! Use any berries or nuts you prefer.
I brought this cake to work the next day and it was gone in minutes! They had never seen or tasted anything like it. The layered custard and buttercream smooshed between crisp honey cakes are impressive and simple to make — worthy of any empress or coffee break. Enjoy!
Although by looking at this finished cake you may feel it is an ambitious project, I assure you, it is not. It is a series of simple steps to follow. After portioning the dough into 6 pieces, shape them into little rounds. This will help the rolling process.
This dough is surprisingly forgiving and easy to work with. Do not worry, you can do this! Make sure you roll the dough to transparency. This will ensure that you will have crispy wafer-like beautiful layers after they are done baking.
Make it easy! I used a 9-inch bowl to make my rounds, but you can actually purchase cardboard patterns locally from Hobby Lobby, Joann, or Michaels. After taking them out of the oven, cut them immediately while they are still hot.
Start by making the buttercream first because it takes time to cool down.
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1½ cups milk, full fat or 2%
¾ cup sugar
1½ Tbsp. flour
1½ Tbsp. cornstarch
Vanilla extract
Bring the milk to a simmer, meanwhile combine sugar, flour and starch. Pour the hot milk over that mixture, slowly and mix to incorporate. Return the mixture to the same pot and cook over medium heat until it boils, stirring constantly. Set aside to cool down to room temperature. Cover it with plastic wrap so it doesn’t form skin.
Beat the butter on high speed for 5-7 minutes or until fluffy and almost white in color. Reduce the speed and add the cooled custard mixture, a tablespoon at a time, scraping the bowl as needed. Add vanilla extract, mix a few seconds. The filling is ready to frost the cake layers.
INGREDIENTS:
2 large eggs
1/3 cup sugar
7 Tbsp. unsalted butter
2 Tbsp. honey
½ tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
½ cups flour, plus more for kneading and rolling
In heavy saucepan, combine and melt the butter and honey. Beat together eggs and sugar. Pour over the melted honey and butter. Cook over medium to low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add baking powder, baking soda and salt, continue stirring. Add flour and mix until incorporated.
Sprinkle your work surface with flour. Place the dough and
knead until smooth and non-sticky. Don’t add too much flour. Divide into 6 portions. Roll out to a 10-inch diameter. Bake on a lined baking pan at 350 degrees for 7-8 minutes until golden in color. It is best to cut your circle pattern while cakes are warm so they don’t crack. I used a 9-inch plate to cut out my rounds. The texture will be crispy, cookie-like when cooled.
Frost the top of each round. Stack the frosted layers. Lastly, frost top and sides of cake with buttercream.
INGREDIENTS:
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream or milk
½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 Tbsp. butter
1 Tbsp. rum or cognac (optional)
Bring the cream to simmer, add the rest of the ingredients and stir until a smooth ganache is formed. Cover entire top of the stacked cake rounds thoroughly with ganache. Allow ganache to flow naturally down the sides of cake. Leave finished cake at room temperature 2-3 hours, and then cool in the fridge for 45 minutes.
Harken Chardonnay
This budget California Chardonnay can play with the big dogs! For starters, you’ll nd ripe pineapple and buttered popcorn on the nose. The palate starts out strong with bright lemon, dry and with a steady toasted coconut nish. The perfect pairing for pumpkin pie!
7 Cellars, The Farm Collection, Cabernet Sauvignon
Experience inviting cherries and plum on the nose, followed by tart cranberry and dark chocolate on the palate. The gripping tannins make you want another sip. This Paso Robles Cabernet has 5% Petit Syrah blended in for perfect balance, it also adds to the silky nish. Pair this with bold avors such as blue cheese, or eat it with leftover Halloween candy.
