How to Cut an Orange

Almond-Panko-Cod-60 Cutting oranges may be a more basic task in the kitchen, but here is a behind the scenes look.

1. First, cut the ends off to create a stable base

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2. Cut the skin from the oranges sides

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 3. Cut the oranges into crosswise slices, about 1/4" slices

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Photo Credit: Paige Jones Photography

How to Cut Cauliflower

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Did you know? It is best to wash cauliflower after cutting it.

1. First cut off the lower stem without cutting any of the white head.

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2. Cut the head of cauliflower in half and then into quarters through the core. 

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3. Using the tip of your knife, separate the individual florets from a head of cauliflower by cutting them away from the core. 

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4. Cut down to size as needed for your recipe.

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Photo Credit: Paige Jones Photography // Sources: 1, 2, 3

LOCAL: Garnish and Gather

2014-01-15 19.47.54 A few weeks ago Jamie and I enjoyed a meal kit from Garnish and Gather. It was a Kale, Mushrooms & Goat Cheese Wilted Salad with Spice Rubbed Chicken. The whole experience was refreshing. I normally enjoy coming up with the dinner menu based on what ingredients we have on hand.

Garnish and Gather was a no-think solution. The ingredients were spot on, and everything was portioned out with minimal prep. The thorough instructions are great for the less confident cook. The dinner was wholesome AND we had leftovers. I particularly enjoyed the Caly Road Creamery Goat Cheese with the spiced chicken, paired with the local kale and toasted pecans. Garnish and Gather highlights our local farmer’s and does an awesome job sourcing seasonal, sustainable ingredients. 

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I highly recommend trying out the service. There are pick-up locations around the city or you can have the meal kit delivered for a small fee. One of my recipes will be available next week, so if you're interested order today (by midnight to be exact).

You can also read the kind post on G&G's blog about their experience at a recent Homespun.

IN-HOME with HOMESPUN ATL

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If you've been to either our pop-up brunch or dinner, you know the routine...sit down around the table, meet new people, and enjoy an artisan meal. Hosting these gatherings is our favorite time of the month!

We are inviting YOU to join us in the hosting. Yes, you can have friends, neighbors, and coworkers over for dinner and cook a delicious dish. In fact, we encourage you to do so! However, if you're looking for something a bit different, we invite you to take advantage of our In-Home experience. That's right, we come to you!

Did we mention as a host your seat is FREE?! The process is simple, you contact us to schedule the date and submit the emails of your guests. We set up a private Eventbrite invitation, and your guests purchase their $65 seats. You'll need to fill your dining room with 8-10 paying guests, and we will take care of the rest.

The In-Home experience is like our pop-up gatherings, in that Chef Jason will select and prepare the menu. We can accommodate allergies upon request. The menu features a locally sourced meal to include: snacks, first course, family style dinner, and finished with dessert. We will be preparing the food on-site, so we will arrive 3 hours before the dinner. We also need a working kitchen (standard stove top, oven, and refrigerator).

Discounted Rates - We have a number of dates in the coming weeks that we will be offering your guests 15% off their seats.

 The discounted dates are:

  • January 29, 2014
  • January 30, 2014
  • February 1, 2014
  • February 6, 2014

Please email us at info@homespunatl.com to schedule your In-Home gathering.

Photo Credit: Phil Sanders Photography | Styling: Blue Eyed Yonder & Lindsay Coletta Design

Ode to Autumn

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As a chef I aspire to provide wholesome meals. Homespun has become one of my outlets to do so...from the food that we source, to the preparation and techniques used. I try to bring the meal to life, while ensuring each guests leaves full and nourished.

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For our Ode to Autumn dinner held in late September I had challenged myself to follow the Whole30 program while preparing the meal. I enjoyed having set parameters, and allowing the season’s availability to direct my focus. I found that in these guidelines my creativity was stretched in new ways. The menu was as follows:

BEET + ARUGULA SALAD Moonglow Pears, Golden Pickled Beets, Toasted Pecans with Onion-Pear Vinaigrette

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PEPPERCORN CRUSTED PORK LOIN Sweet Potato Puree, Roasted Onions + Kale

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BRAISED CABBAGE, AFRICAN BUTTERNUT SQUASH + GALA APPLES with Fresh Basil philsanders_homespun_low-res-9547

FARM-FRESH BRAISED GREENS with Pickled Swiss Chard + Roasted Garlic

ROASTED CARROTS, GREEN BEANS, QUEEN SCARLET TURNIPS + SHIITAKE philsanders_homespun_low-res-9583

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The menu was full of healthy goodness sourced from our local markets. Also I had the privilege to cook for one the farmers from whom I sourced shiitake mushrooms. Jonathan and his family run Abundant Harvest, and provide delectable produce at several markets around metro Atlanta. He is also one of my go-to farmers we use for our meals.

One of the benefits of cooking straightforward with local produce is the flavor. Using fresh, locally grown food gives me the peace of mind and confidence while preparing meals for the guest around the table.  For one, I know how fresh it is. Second of all, I know where and whom I am getting it from.  The meal was organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, and delicious. Yes, you heard me correctly...even the guest assured me that everything tasted great.

Cooking and eating clean may take a bit more effort. After experiencing it, we quickly grow to appreciate going back to its humble beginnings.

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LOCALLY SOURCED Morningside Market: Woodland Gardens, Crystal Organic Farm, D+ A Farm, Cimino Farm Peachtree Road Farmers Market: Abundant Harvest Niman Ranch

Photo Credit: Phil Sanders | Styling: Blue Eyed Yonder | Foliage: Lindsay Coletta Designs

MENU | May Gathering at Matchstic

May 2013 Homespun ATLFarmers Markets are in full swing by May, and we took full advantage by traveling around Atlanta to source the meal. We shared with our guests where the fresh produce came from and challenged everyone to shop local and taste the difference.  We desire authenticity in life through relationships, work and service.  The same standard can, and should, be set for our food. Here's a look of the evening focusing on the meal. For the full recap, please visit Pilgrim Creative. Enjoy!

Locally Sourced: Woodland Gardens, Crystal Organics, Skylight Farm, Tucker Farms, Pearson Farm, Watsonia Farm, Fry Farm, The Capra Gia Cheese Company

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Snacks Lemon White Bean Hummus with Fresh Herbs and Black Pepper Lavosh Roasted Strawberries with Local Goat Cheese on Rosemary Cream Biscuits

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First Course Tybee Island Shrimp and Seared Scallops with Spring Beets, Bibb Lettuce, Basil, and Orange Vinaigrette

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Entrée Braised Rabbit with Lemon Marsala Glaze with Leeks, Spring Onions, and English Peas Carrot Agnolotti with Asparagus and Thyme Roasted Cauliflower and Broccolini With Parsley and Capers

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Dessert Lemon Basil Panna Cotta, Poached Blueberries, Coconut Macaroons

Contributors: Paige Beasley of Pilgrim Creative – Photography // Krista Janos of Blue Eyed Yonder - Table Scape Design + Chair Rentals // Jamie Jimenez of Julia’s Poppies - Paper Goods

NOVEMBER GATHERING FILM

Last month we hosted a Harvest Dinner at Matchstic Branding. We gathered around the table to share life, and it's blessings over a wholesome meal.

We had the guys of Los Filmmakers film a behind-the-scenes look at the evening. You can see their eye for detail...and we love how they captured the table through a time-lapse. They are truly talented in their craft. Juan + Christian: thank you for delivering such quality!

Homespun ATL is not just an opportunity to dine but rather to break bread and share life. Come and be inspired. The next gathering is Sunday, December 9.