Sunday, January 14, 2024

Sourdough Focaccia

This is another one of my SUNRISE MAGIC SOURDOUGH recipes. 
It means I start mixing up the dough in the evening, let the long fermentation happen over night and then in the morning bake - sourdough magic, delicious and beautiful. 

Focaccia makes a great side dish and is a popular treat at a potluck.









This recipe makes 1 sheet pan loaf.
Bake Temp./Time: 425℉ for 30 min 


INGREDIENTS:  (Day 1)

1/4 cup fed Sourdough Starter

1 1/4 cups filtered Water

1 Tbsp. Olive Oil

3 cups All-Purpose Flour

1 1/2 tsp. Salt


INGREDIENTS:  (Day 2) 

2 Tbsp. Olive Oil

2 sprigs of fresh Rosemary; chopped

Salt Brine Mix: 1/2 tsp. Salt, 1 Tbsp. warm Water


Optional Toppings: 

Cherry Tomatoes; sliced, 

Cherry Peppers; sliced,

Olives

Hot Pepper Flakes etc.



PREPARATIONN: 

I use a medium size bowl to mix the day 1 ingredients.  Instead of my hands I use a chopstick to stir everything into a dough. This way I don’t get my hands sticky, plus the chopstick is the easiest kitchen tool to slide the dough from.

I cover the bowl with a lid/plate and let it rest on the counter in a warm place overnight or for at least 12 hours. For an extra boost, and especially when the room is cold, I place the bowl in a proofer and let it run at 80℉ for 2 hours.

After the long rising time the dough is ready to bake when it has the following qualities, otherwise continue the rise for a little longer. 

-the dough has risen significantly 
(about an additional half more of it’s original size)

-if you pick part of the dough from the side of the bowl, air bubbles and strands of gluten are visible



Next, I spread 1 tablespoon of olive oil on the bottom and sides of a quarter baking sheet pan (9 x 13 inches).  A pastry brush works well for the application and is useful to make this step less messy.  After adding the olive oil, I sprinkle 1 teaspoon of semolina flour onto the bottom of the pan.  This step is optional.  I think the semolina flour adds a lot to the flavor of the bread, but if you don’t have some on hand don’t sweat it.  If you like baking focaccia on the reg, or you enjoy making homemade pizza or bread, do pick up a small bag of semolina flour and enjoy the little extra bottom crust oomph it will bring to your baking favorites.

I pull the dough from the bowl and transfer it to the oiled and sprinkled pan.  I gently pat and stretch until it evenly fills the sheet pan. The dough generally springs back a little and doesn’t immediately want to hold the newly stretched shape.  For this reason the dough gets to rest another 10-15 minutes of relaxing time until it is easier for me to mold it to the shape of the pan.

Once fully shaped I brush the top of the dough with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and then I also pour the brine over top.  Finally I garnish the top by scattering the chopped rosemary and sliced cherry tomatoes and then I use my fingertips to dimple the surface and press the toppings into the dough.



Once more the dough gets to rest for a final 30 minutes or until it is visibly risen a bit more.




During this time, I position the oven rack in the middle and preheat the oven to 425℉.  

The focaccia bakes at this temperature for 30 minutes. Or more depending on your oven or how browned you like the focaccia.

I let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before taking it out and slicing it.


♡ Nina

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Halloween 2023 Airstream Interior

Happy Halloween friends! 🦇   

This marks the first year decorating the Airstream (or any space for that matter) for Halloween. Two spooky themed Airstream rallies at the end of October where the catalyst that make me transform our tiny home into a witchy bat cave. 



The following list shows the items I was asked about:


BATS: Outside bats are made from craft foam. Inside bats (40 total) were cut from black paper plates.

- FAIRY LIGHTS & USB BATTERY PACKS: These twinkle lights have a usb connection and we keep little charging packs instead of batteries. The lights are a fun alternative light at dinner or energy saving while camping without power.

RUGS: I bought the rugs in two sizes: 2'4x7 and 2'6x3'10(2 of them). The rugs also come in different colors and they wash well in the washing machine (mine have been washed more then 10 times) and dried on low. 
 
PAINT COLOR: Behr - Truly Olive - Interior Semi Gloss Enamel

US PILLOW: blank us states pillow from Primitives by Kathy 

OVEN: great for baking, proofing, roasting and yogurt making


REMOVABLE WALLPAPER, this is the wallpaper I used and then painted over.

BATHROOM MIRROR:I removed the frame so I can still open the top cabinet

ADHESIVE, for mirror: combination of 3M Tape and Nano Grip Tape

US MAP 


Happy Halloween! 🦇  

Until next time.
♡ Nina

Saturday, July 29, 2023

Summer 2023 Airstream Interior

Here is an updated peak into my 2017 27' Flying Cloud Twin Travel Trailer (aka Aurora the Airstream).

I just installed some new lamps ✨
to replace the white plastic ones I hated and never used. 
I'm so thrilled about it.


This is how it my mini renovation came together:

∙ I installed 2 Maichis 12V lamps
∙ these lamps were too bright and required a lampshade so my husband helped me drill holes in two of our Barebones Living enamelware bowls

I love a good repurpose and finding more ways to use enamelware throughout the Airstream.

Items I was asked about in these photos:




Until next time.
♡ Nina

Thursday, January 5, 2023

Minimalist Winter 2022 Capsule Wardrobe 🎄

I always think that ones home reflects how we feel inside our body mentally and physically.
So when a space does not feel cozy and warm and clean, it does have an impact on my mood.
Lately, I get the feeling that on the surface everything is clean, organized and tidy, but inside some of my drawers and closets it looks a bit... ruffled. I'm dealing with some extra stuff that's not meant to be there.

- Extra, extra clothing bits like camisoles and undershirts that I should probably be more intentional with and keep just a few out for each season.
- Slime making, art supplies, tennis rackets and balls got stored in the closet.  
Not good.

And while I'm switching over my capsule wardrobe to my winter pieces I'm determined to also tackle the extra stuff situation with reorganization, cleaning and decluttering.


                                                                                                                                         
"Your home is an extension of your energy field.
This is why practices like cleaning your home,
rearranging furniture, organizing your closet
 and getting rid of objects that are cluttering 
your space can have a profound impact on 
your own mind, body, and spirit."
- Maryam Hasnaa


CAPSULE     INTENTIONS

With every capsule season I set a few intentions I like to let roll around in my mind and work on.  This time it's the following:
- inventory and reorganize my out of season clothing
- take photos of my closets (maybe these visuals will help me improve these closet spaces) 
- find laundry solution separate from my husband's 
- look to incorporate special occasion wear in future capsules:holiday wear (Christmas sweater or pjs, 4th of July tees or festive accessories etc) Airstream (flamingo mascot) and camping themed clothing and jewelry 













W I N T E R    2 0 2 2   C A P S U L E   W A R D R O B E


So, let's have a look at the pieces in my winter capsule. 
(As usual, I mark 'new' additions to my capsule with a * and new second hand pieces with **.  Additionally, I don't count accessories towards the 33 pieces of my capsule, but I will list them here anyways.)

JACKETS       

1- cream peacoat
2- tan knit poncho
3- teal fleece sweater
4- Pendleton flannel shirt
5- green jacket

TOPS  

6- light green bodysuit
7- white linen tank
8- white linen blouse
9- blue Alumalina graphic tee * (2022 Alumalina Airstream Rally tee)
10- light green linen tunic


LONG SLEEVE TOPS 

11- white v-neck sweater
12- cream v-neck sweater
13- red v-neck sweater ** (thrifted this past summer)
14- cream color block sweater
15- mustard yellow sweater
16- cream turtleneck sweater
17- white adventure shirt
18- white lace ruffle top
19- white lace blouse

DRESSES   +   SKIRTS  

20- navy blue wool dress
21- green mini skirt ** (thrifted in summer and altered)

BOTTOMS   

22- cream/tan houndstooth pants
23- blue jeans
24- blue skinny jeans
25- blue distressed jeans
26- dark green pants
27- green leggings
28- black leggings

SHOES 

29- silver sneakers
30- brown flats ** (thrifted this past summer)
31- tan heeled booties
32- black heeled booties
33- brown cowboy boots

ACCESSORIES (not counted)  

- everyday jewelry
- sunglasses ** (my old ones broke, but the same week I found a pair of blue/purple tinted shades while walking through a field... they will do for now)
- black handbag
- grey camera bag
- colorful woven market tote * (a birthday gift from my cousin)
- white beanie 
- black gloves
- swimwear
- bathrobe
- shower shoes
- yoga jumpsuits x2
- sleepwear
- underwear
- socks
- house slippers

OTHER (not counted)    

- bathrobe
- yoga outfits
- sleepwear (2 nightgowns, 1 pair of sweatpants with 2 matching tops, 2 camisoles) 
- shower slides


Thank you for checking out my winter capsule.  I hope you could find some inspiration for your own. 🎄 💨 ❄️

   ♡ Nina

 

Sunday, December 11, 2022

Vanillakipferl (Vanilla Crescent Cookies)

These German shortbread cookies have been a favourite of mine ever since I was little.  The first cookies disappearing from the homemade cookie tin. My cousin Tina is an excellent baker and has been making a vegan version of these cookies just for me.

This is the recipe.  

I last prepared these cookies for a potluck at the 2022 HOTC Holiday Airstream Rally. 

There is some shockingly macabre history about these cookies.  These cookies that I so fondly think of as German Christmas cookies were developed after the Habsburg monarchy and the Polish-Lithuanian commonwealth defeated the Ottomans at the Battle of Vienna in 1683.  The crescent moon shape of these cookies were to celebrate the military victory over the Turkish army.  

It's macabre to have a victory cookie for a territorial and religious war with so much bloodshed - the loss of 35,000 enemy soldiers alone.  

Merry friggin' Christmas, ya'll.  




This recipe makes about 30 cookies.
 


V A N I L L A K I P F E R L   

300 g All Purpose Flour

125 g Sugar

150 g Almond Flour

250 g Vegan Butter; cold 


For dusting:

Powdered Sugar

Vanilla Bean (or Vanillazucker)


First I combine all ingredients together by mixing it in my Kitchen Aid stand mixer. It is important to mix well so that no chunks of butter are left showing in the dough and the texture is even.

Next, I cover the mixing bowl with a plate and let it rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour. 

When I'm ready to bake the cookies I use a cookie cutter to pinch off even amounts of dough so that my cookies will end up looking uniform in size. Shaping of this dough is not easy because it is so crumbly, but using the heat in the palm of my hands helps as I roll each piece between my hands until its the length of my finger.  I then fold it into the half moon shape and place it unto the cookie sheet. 

My oven does not take long to preheat, so I set the temperature to 375℉ when I'm almost done with all the shaping.

Depending on the size of the cookies and the oven used the cookies bake for about 10-12 minutes. After baking I heavily dust the powdered sugar on top while everything is still hot so that the sugar will stick. A fine mesh strainer sifter works perfectly for this purpose. Gently tab the sides and the powdered sugar will sprinkle out.

♡ Nina


(↓ Airstreams were all decorated and lit up for a charity campground parade at the HOTC Airstream Christmas Rally.  Such fun.)



Sunday, September 11, 2022

Minimalist Fall 2022 Capsule Wardrobe 🍁 🍂

Summer is my favourite time of year and it's currently coming to an end.  I feel the seasons shifting and the nights are cooling quickly to the point where I don't want to be outside for long.  

Anything below 53℉ is no fun for me. 💨 

It is hard for me at accept that winter will be here soon.  I had a tough time last winter and I'm really apprehensive for the cold to come. 

I'm not ready for it.
I much prefer being carefree and warm in summer over all the effort it takes to keep warm in winter.
Because of this I panic a bit each fall.  And it results in the biggest wardrobe change with the most additions of all seasons.  It happens every fall.
This year I added:
- socks
- underpants
- 2 leggings
- sweatpants
- a beanie
- and 4 sweaters







  "I think everything in life is art.
What you do.
How you dress.
The way you love someone, and how you talk.
Your smile and your personality.
What you believe in, and all your dreams.
The way you drink your tea.
How you decorate your home. Or party.
Your grocery list.
The food you make.
How your writing looks.
And the way you feel.
              Life is art."            

                                          - Helena Bonham Carter
                                                                                                                                           




For my seasonal capsules I follow the rules of the minimalist fashion challenge Project 333.  This challenge was created by Courtney Carver.  I will link her website that show her rules for capsule dressing here
I got started with Project 333 in the fall of 2015 and I love it. 
You can find all my seasonal capsule wardrobes here.

CAPSULE     INTENTIONS
With every capsule season I set a few intentions I like to work on.  This time it's the following:

- get more creative with accessories and jewelry that I own.  Normally I just wear the same earrings until I buy a new pair and then wear them for years.  But I now have a small (very small) collection of pretty pieces that I could pair with different outfits.
- focus on skincare and how it and simple pops of makeup lighten my outfits.  How would a practical daily routine look like?  2023 New Years Resolution? 
- deep clean and condition shoes and retire those that are worn out. Goodbye holy rain boots 😭




(I'm all bundled up at New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia.)



F A L L   2 0 2 2   C A P S U L E   W A R D R O B E

So, let's have a look at the pieces in my fall capsule. 
(As usual, I mark 'new' additions to my capsule with a * and new second hand pieces with **.  Additionally, I don't count accessories towards the 33 pieces of my capsule, but I will list them here anyways.)

JACKETS       

1- white jean jacket
2- tan knit poncho
3- teal fleece sweater
4- Pendleton flannel shirt
5- green jacket
6- cream peacoat

TOPS  

7- white linen tank
8- white linen blouse
9- green Yellowstone graphic tee
10- light green linen tunic
11- white adventure shirt
12- white v-neck tee

LONG SLEEVE TOPS 

13- white v-neck sweater **
14- cream v-neck sweater **
15- cream color block sweater **
16- mustard yellow sweater **
17- light pink sweater cardigan
18- white adventure shirt
19- lace ruffle top

DRESSES   +   SKIRTS  

20- navy blue mini dress
21- white maxi lace dress

BOTTOMS   

22- blue jean shorts
23- blue jeans
24- blue skinny jeans
25- blue distressed jeans
26- dark green pants
27- green leggings **
28- black leggings **

SHOES 

29- silver sneakers
30- tan heeled booties
31- black heeled booties
32- black hiking boots
33- brown cowboy boots ** (thrifted while traveling)

ACCESSORIES (not counted)  

- everyday jewelry
- sunglasses
- black handbag
- white beanie **
- black gloves

OTHER (not counted)    

- bathrobe
- yoga outfits
- sleepwear (2 nightgowns, 1 pair of sweatpants with 2 matching tops, 2 camisoles) 
- shower slides


Thank you for checking out my fall capsule.  I hope you could find some inspiration for your own. 🍁 🍂

   ♡ Nina