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Passover Brisket

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A slab of smoked Passover Brisket sliced into pieces on a wooden table with a sauce sitting in the background.

A Passover or three ago, during full COVID lockdown, about 15 members of my extended family got together on a Zoom call with varying levels of internet connectivity and shouted over one another for 45 minutes, mangling the Haggadah beyond recognition. My wife and I ate Chengdu Gourmet in sweatpants because the email said we should be eating something on the call. This year, however, like most years, we will have the opportunity to make an awesome brisket for Passover.

Tips for Making Brisket

Note about smoking a Passover brisket: I have a huge commercial smoker for my business, but the home cook does not need one, and I stand by this. While cooking a large brisket can be intimidating, we’ve broken it down into steps in this recipe. For trimming the fat, there are many tutorials out there if you’re more of a visual learner. Remember to take breaks (look at step #7 in our recipe) and embrace how long the process can take as a way to spend time with your family.

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A slab of smoked Passover Brisket sliced into pieces on a wooden table with a sauce sitting in the background.

Passover Brisket


  • Author: Jonathan Haskel Barr

Description

A delicious and low-stress Passover meal.


Ingredients

Scale

For the brisket:

  • USDA prime brisket, 1/4 pound per guest post smoke
  • Charcoal and flavored wood chips
  • Empty tin can
  • Haskel’s Magic Spicy Sauce* (See below)

For Haskel’s Magic Spicy Sauce: 

  • 3 cups pineapple juice, just juice, not chunks
  • 6 tbsp Double Seahorse Sambal (or whatever, but Double Seahorse is the best)
  • 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp MSG (available at almost any Asian grocer)
  • 6 tbsp red miso
  • 6 tbsp blackstrap molasses, maple syrup, or agave


Instructions

For the brisket: 

  1. Get rid of any silverskin or weird little connective tissue flaps on the bottom of your brisket with a sharp, thin knife. Lots of YouTube tutorials on this.
  2. Turn the fat cap up, and knock on the fat like you’re trying to crack a safe. If the fat feels really hard, take some off. Don’t go nuts, you really want full-fat coverage for maximum moisture. Salt and pepper both sides liberally.
  3. Make a loose half-moon of coals on one far wall of your kettle grill, four inches or so deep, with the grate removed.
  4. Take your opened-up tin can and stick it in the middle of your half-moon pile. Fill it up a third of the way or so with coals and one or two of those firestarters that look like a tiny hay bale, and get those coals rippin’ hot, but not the whole pile. You want the grill uncovered now.
  5. When those coals are blazing, remove the tin can, and using your grill tongs, spread the hot coals thinly onto the unlit coals. Now take a few handfuls of smoking wood (whatever smells best to you) and throw them on the coals evenly. Don’t soak the wood.
  6. Slap your brisket on the grate fat cap up as far away from the coals as possible. We want indirect heat to cook our brisket at a temperature of 225-ish degrees for one hour per pound of meat. More air equals more heat, so play with your top and bottom air vents until the thermometer on your Weber gets to 225.
  7. Go do all the other stuff for Passover, or take a nap because your sister is cooking everything else this year.
  8. A half-hour before your brisket hits the magic internal temp of 165 degrees (squishy and tender but not shredding like pot roast), brush the spicy sauce on both sides of the meat. Let brisket rest a half hour before slicing into it. When you take it off to rest, drizzle a whole bunch of sauce on. Pour the rest of the spicy sauce onto the brisket post slice, and eat until you need another nap.

For Haskel’s Magic Spicy Sauce:

  1. Whisk everything together, reduce in a pan until miso has dissolved and everything is nice and sticky. It should coat the back of a spoon without dribbling off.

 

Recipe and Photography by Jonathan Haskel Barr

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Coconut Macaroons

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On a green table sits a plate with coconut macaroons, surrounded by walnuts and other topping bowls.

Cookies are medicine.No, they can’t cure appendicitis or pleurisy, but they do make us feel better. As with everything in life, moderation is key. As Easter and Passover approach, my prescription is to eat two of these coconut macaroons  call me in the morning.

Why macaroons have come to be associated with the spring holidays of Easter and Passover is anyone’s guess. They don’t contain any leavening and can easily be made kosher. Maybe their fluffy, white appearance reminded someone of lambs? Who knows.

What I do know is that they are quite different from the nut-based versions you get at the end of the meal at the Duquesne Club, and far removed from the petite, vibrant macarons you remember from that stroll along the Boulevard St.-Michel in Paris. No, these are moist, slightly sticky little flavor bombs.  And in the early days of spring, they’re just what the doctor ordered.

Tips for Making Coconut Macaroons

These are adaptable little bites. Try inserting a blanched almond into the top of each cookie before baking. Or, you can add chocolate: either dip the bottom of the cooled macaroons in melted chocolate or simply drizzle some melted chocolate over the tops. Almonds AND chocolate? You’ve just recreated an iconic candy bar in cookie form! For consistent size, I use a #40 scoop (known as a disher in the food industry) whenever I’m making drop cookies.  This not only ensures that the finished cookies look the same, but that they all bake evenly. Plus, it’s so much faster and neater than using two spoons.

Also, coconut macaroons can have sticky feet. I usually dust the bottom of the serving tray or cookie tin with powdered sugar to keep the cookies from sticking.

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three Coconut Macaroons on a glass plate on a green surface. Walnuts and berries in separate small bowls

Coconut Macaroons


  • Author: Doug Florey

Description

A light and breezy spring dessert.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 14-oz bag sweetened flaked coconut
  • 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg white
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon almond extract


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325° F
  2. Remove two tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk from the can and set aside for another use.
  3. In a medium bowl, mix the coconut, the remaining sweetened condensed milk (which should measure a scant cup or so), vanilla extract, and almond extract till well combined, then set aside.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg white and salt until stiff peaks form.
  5. Using a large rubber spatula, gently fold the egg white into the coconut mixture until the mixture is uniform, with no white streaks.
  6. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, then spray the paper with cooking spray. (I know this sounds odd, but you’ll need that extra insurance policy to get the macaroons off the parchment without mangling them. Trust me.)
  7. Using two spoons, form compact mounds of approximately 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture on the baking sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart.
  8. Bake for 10 minutes then rotate the pans, front to back, top to bottom.
  9. Bake an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the tops and edges begin to color.
  10. Let cool on the pans for a few minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, using a small metal spatula sprayed with cooking spray. They’ll be a little delicate while they’re warm, so tread lightly. If they pull apart a bit, simply press them back together while they’re still warm. Store and serve at room temperature.

Recipe by Doug Florey
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Your Full Moon in Taurus Horoscope: April 2024

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An image of a bull sits on top of a floral pink and purple background with a moon sliver in the picture to signify the Full Moon in Taurus April 2024.

As we enter this full Moon, Jupiter has just past its slow conjunction with Uranus, signaling a new 14-year cycle where realignments can turn into complete overhauls. With the conjunction of the Full Moon perfecting in Taurus, the emphasis is on slow and intentional work, particularly in how we pursue growth and innovation. We’re all exploring what it means to move along deeper currents. This conjunct argues it would be better to sit still and do nothing, than rush.

A New Alignment

Mercury goes direct on April 25, easing communication mishaps and bringing clearer thinking. It’s a good time for decisions to be made with a clearer head, as the fog of Mercury’s retrograde passage lifts. This is especially good news for Gemini, Virgo, and Aries.

The red planet Mars aligns with nebulous Neptune on April 29. This alignment encourages acting on intuition, not waiting for the fog to lift to move. However, a note of caution: while following our instincts can lead us in the right direction, it’s important not to become too attached to specific outcomes. Just as a fog descending on a glen may obscure our view of what lies ahead, even if we know our path, we may be surprised by what awaits us at the journey’s end.

For some, this Mars-Neptune conjunction will imbue their dreams with great strength and vividness, perhaps at the expense of physical energy and motivation. If you find yourself feeling more tired than usual or struggling to muster your normal get-up-and-go, don’t be alarmed. This is a temporary influence that will pass as the planets move on. Allow yourself to rest and recharge when needed, and trust that your energy will return.

A Conjunction of Sun and Uranus

On May 13, the Sun and Uranus come together in our skies. This alignment is known for bringing unexpected developments and surprises: flexibility and adaptability are the salve. While these surprises may catch us off guard, they’re more likely to serve as gentle nudges rather than forceful pushes, encouraging us to consider new perspectives and possibilities. This conjunction is especially sensitive for those born under the signs of Taurus and Scorpio.

This Sun-Uranus conjunction may have a particularly strong impact on those in positions of leadership around the world. Heads of state, CEOs, and other influential figures could face surprising challenges or opportunities that require them to think on their feet and make quick, intuitive decisions.

The focus shifts significantly on May 18, when Venus joins Uranus and the Sun aligns with Jupiter. This is a potent time for relationships, personal growth, and a healing of some of the unpleasant things that April’s astrology likely dredged up. As ever, the key is to stay grounded and safeguard against overextension.

The End of the Cycle

We wrap up this period on May 23 with Venus and Jupiter’s conjunction, marking an excellent time for social connections and enhancing our personal and financial well-being. It’s a moment to enjoy the simpler pleasures and perhaps benefit from a stroke of good luck.

From now until the next Full Moon on May 23, the theme is one of balanced change – recognizing opportunities for growth while staying adaptable and practical. The cosmos don’t demand leaps into the unknown but rather thoughtful steps toward evolution.

This month’s Sabian symbol: A MASSIVE, ROCKY SHORE RESISTS THE POUNDING OF THE SEA.

Aries

Recent challenges to your self-expression and vitality are beginning to ease, offering a renewed sense of confidence as you move forward. Be mindful of the tension between your desire for solitude and your drive for action, as finding a balance will be key. Mercury’s direct motion in your sign brings clarity to communication and thought processes. As Venus brings her blessings into your second house, opportunities for financial gain will present themselves, but so too will the temptation to spend frivolously: discernment is key. The end of the month brings a surge of energy and assertiveness when Mars, your ruling planet, enters Aries. You should try to make the most of this heightened sense of motivation and initiative, but be sure not to overextend yourself. Trust your instincts and let your natural leadership shine through while remaining open to the insights and support of trusted allies.

Taurus

As the Sun illuminates your sign, you’re radiating with verve and self-assurance. This is a favorable time for personal growth and focusing on your unique talents and desires and launching new health routines. Challenges related to power dynamics or external pressures are starting to subside, allowing you to approach situations with a clearer perspective. Jupiter’s continued presence in your sign makes whatever you touch right now a little bigger and a little more special, particularly in areas where you’ve recently taken calculated risks or embraced innovation. As Venus, your ruling planet, joins the Sun in Taurus later this month, your natural charm will begin to reverse unhappy tides. It’s an unusually good time to be a Taurus: go ahead and indulge in sensory pleasures and surround yourself with the people and things you find beautiful.

Gemini

The Sun will enter your sign in just a few weeks, and you can probably already feel that building sense of anticipation and renewing vitality. Consider this pre-birthday period a time for self-reflection and setting intentions for the coming 12 months. Recent challenges or power struggles in relationships are starting to ease, allowing for more open and honest communication. Mercury’s station direct in your 11th house sets things right amongst friends, and may renew hope in a long-term goal of yours. Prioritize conversations that stimulate and collaborations that align with your aspirations. Stay open to unexpected insights or opportunities that arise through your network. As Mars moves into your 11th house at the end of the month, you may find increased motivation to act – take the universe up on the promise of this rousing transit for eventual good luck.

Cancer

The Scorpio Moon heightens emotional intensity and intuition for all signs, but especially so for those born under the Moon’s sign of Cancer. It’s up to you to make the most of this powerful energy: what inner realities want your attention? Recent tensions or challenges in your work or public life are beginning to dissipate, allowing you to approach your goals with renewed clarity and determination. Lean on the support of mentors or people you respect who can offer guidance and wisdom. As Mars and Neptune connect in your 9th house, you may feel inspired to explore something new – another country, another language, another culture. The Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in your 11th house suggests now’s the time to lean into the spontaneous – unexpected opportunities want to find you, and they’re coming through your interpersonal connections. Be findable! Be outside!

Leo

The Scorpio Moon illuminates your 4th house of home and family, encouraging you to focus on your emotional foundations and inner world. This is a time for self-nurturing and connecting with your roots. Recent challenges or power struggles in your personal life are for the moment behind you, allowing for more honest and open communication with loved ones. As Mercury stations direct in your 9th house, you may find old forsaken plans related to travel, education, or spiritual pursuits are back on the table. Mars moving into your 9th house sparks a thirst for adventure, learning, and expanding your horizons. Provided you don’t rush over important details that ought to be handled intentionally and with careful thought, this transit promises a great deal of excitement and a boost of fresh energy.

Virgo

As Mercury, your ruling planet, stations direct in your 8th house, you should find a renewed sense of calm related to things that were recently made you anxious. You’re not out of the woods yet, but you’ve got a great sense of where you’re headed. The Scorpio Moon in your 3rd house heightens your emotional intelligence and intuition, making this a powerful time for sending messages out into the world, and meditating on the ones coming in. If the last few weeks have been tough with a romantic partner, take heart: the more antagonizing elements of that trouble are now leaving. The Mars-Neptune conjunction in your 7th house might encourage in you a deeper appreciation for the nonphysical aspects of your partnerships and renewed warmth between you and your sweetheart.

Libra

The Scorpio Moon falls in your 2nd house and brings the spotlight to your material assets. This wouldn’t be the best time to invest in new ventures, but it would serve as an ideal time to weigh up the performance of your financial portfolio. As Mercury stations direct in your house of relationships, any confusion recently felt there should get right-sided. Mars shifting into your 7th house energizes partnerships and one-on-one interactions, so the timing couldn’t be better. The influence of Mars can be a tricky one to work with. Some advice: be mindful of the temptation to project your frustrations onto others, and to internalize that you are the cause of frustration in others. Seek compromise and cooperation – and, dear Libra, you were born for that – but watch that you don’t make too many unnecessary concessions.

Scorpio

With the full Moon in your sign, you’ll be asked to weigh in on a bit more than usual this month. As Mars transits from your 5th to 6th house, shift your passionate energy from creativity to daily routines and self-improvement. This Mars shift happens just as Venus enters your 7th house, enhancing magnetism and providing opportunities for deepening bonds or attracting new love. Show your affection and gratitude to your loved ones, as your gestures of love and kindness will be especially well-received. If single, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and let your charm shine. Recent tensions in awkward family dynamics may have surfaced with the Sun-Pluto square. While that’s not likely to resolve overnight, give it time – some things, picked up too soon, feel big even when they’re quite manageable.

Sagittarius

The Scorpio Moon illuminates your 12th house of solitude and the unconscious, encouraging you to focus on your inner world. This is a time for self-reflection and letting the subconscious mind solve your problems. Jupiter, your ruler, separating from its conjunction with Uranus in your 6th house, suggests that you may have recently experienced unexpected changes or breakthroughs in your work or health routines. Integrate these insights as you move forward. On May 20, at the start of Gemini season, the Sun will enter your 7th house of relationships. My advice? Be social, make friends, go on dates (with your loved one if taken, with prospects if single!), and let your curiosity be your guide. Career has been a bit tumultuous lately, but the worst influences are soon to depart, so keep to your path!

Capricorn

Saturn, your ruler, receives the trine of the Moon from your 11th house, and supporting emotional maturity and stability in your friendships and community involvements. Your natural prudence and practicality are appreciated by others at this time. Mars moving into your 4th house energizes your domestic life and family interactions, but be mindful of a tendency to be overly critical or controlling. The Sun’s recent square to Pluto in your 2nd house may have unearthed deep-seated fears about some financial choices that haven’t yet paid off. Trust in your ability to build and maintain material security, but don’t be afraid to seek counsel if you need it. Jupiter and Uranus in your 9th house suggest that game-changing advice is waiting for you from normal ‘wisdom’ channels: mentors, spiritual leaders (whether formal or otherwise), astrologers and tarot card readers, etc.

Aquarius

With Pluto in your sign, all eyes seem to be on Aquarius. Have you noticed how public discourse is starting to catch up to where you were years ago? Of course things need to change. Of course the global systems so deeply entrenched in our day-to-day life aren’t sustainable. Change is upon us, and finally, people are realizing they should’ve been heeding advice like yours all along. The Moon in your 10th house suggests that you may be entrusted with communicating what needs to be heard – trust in your ability to innovate and inspire others.

The Sun’s shift into your 5th house on May 20 brings more social ease, even as it continues to shine a spotlight on your unique points of view. Mars moving into your 3rd house enhances your mental agility and encourages you to speak your truth. This also encourages domestic travel, if you have plans for that.

Pisces

With Mars, Saturn, and Neptune in your sign, you must be experiencing a powerful confluence of energies that don’t feel altogether compatible. Never mind that – this is where learning happens. Align your dreams with practical steps and take responsibility for your choices, and the rest will come together in time. Venus joins Jupiter in your 3rd house of communication and short-distance travel. This is a fortunate time for writing, sending and receiving important messages, and visiting born and chosen families. If you work in a field related to publishing, higher education, or foreign affairs (including travel to/from foreign nations), this might be a bit of a busy month for you as the Scorpio Moon falls in your 9th house. Perhaps you might call away yourself – you could use some time away, so go for it!

Revisit your New Moon Solar Eclipse in Aries Horoscope for more astrological information.

Story by Wade Caves

Wade Caves, based in Brooklyn, NY, is an astrological consultant and educator specializing in problem-solving applications of astrology. He teaches specialist astrological subjects and astronomy at the School of Traditional Astrology, and publishes his work on world affairs through Skyscript’s In Mundo publishing desk. He is the host of the World Astrology Summit, a conference dedicated to the advancement of astrology for global problem-solving. Website: wadecaves.com • skyscript.co.uk/inmundo. Email: hello@wadecaves.com.

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Studio Lithe Remodels a Classic Pittsburgh Home

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A pink wallpaper entry way leads to a white clean kitchen with white and black tiles.

It’s all about keeping it in the family. The early 1900s house, built by Pittsburgh architect Henry Hornbostel, is the wife’s childhood home. She, her husband, and their three young children moved in when her father decided to downsize. The couple’s situation was the opposite: they were upsizing, and therefore needed furnishings for most of the rooms, as well as to make necessary changes to the building itself. They hired Studio Lithe to take on both the furnishings and the structural modifications.

Modern restaurant dining space with stylish seating and lighting design

Updating a Classic

“It definitely needed some work, but the couple was very excited to update it,” says Alexandra Ribar of Studio Lithe. The bathrooms, in particular, were in need of some love. An interesting facet of the house’s layout is that every bedroom has its own adjacent bathroom. “Pretty wild for the era it was built in,” she says.

Two images of bathroom sinks side by side with mirrors above the sink. The left side has pink tile while the right has white.

One of the bathrooms was particularly unusual, accessible from a bedroom or the library on the second floor. The rooms sat at different elevations so you would either have to step up or step down to enter. “We ended up closing the entrance from the library so that we could gain more floor space, to have room for a propershower,” says Ribar.

A bedroom with two windows has a daybed in it and pink bean bag chair sitting near by, decorated by Studio Lithe.

A Balance of Styles

Some less extravagant interventions included a pink-tiled bathroom that involved sourcing perfectly-matched tiles to replace cracked ones and updating the fixtures. “We picked plumbing and light fixtures that could go exactly into place so we didn’t have to cut new holes.” The bathroom, used by the daughter, is sophisticated enough that it can grow with her. Her bedroom has furnishings that are age-appropriate for a young girl—but with a little bit of an edge, including a black-frame daybed and black wall sconces. French return drapes help block the light.

Two photos sit side by side, on the left is a room filled with plants by Studio Lithe while the right photo is an open room with plants and a wooden table with a chair.

Throughout the house, furnishings are a balancing act between antique or vintage and contemporary. The owner’s father is an art collector, so the house came with quite a few historically significant objects, and Ribar didn’t want to create a super-modern house around them. In the second floor landing, for example, a “punk rock, drippy chain chandelier” is the first thing you see when coming up from the marble entry. The rug is new-vintage, a mix of a traditional piece with a nontraditional scale of pattern. “I’d had my eye on it for years. And I finally had somewhere to put it.”

An entry way before bedrooms with a beige carpet with roses on it and a chandelier by Studio Lithe.

Adding a Bold Touch

For the dining area, the owners love the idea of a mural wall-covering to help create a cozy, dramatic, and dark space. (The paper is from Fromental.) They picked a color from the paper and used it to paint the ceiling, then added a new chandelier. Her father is an avid collector of bronze sculpture, one of which—a lamp in the form of a woman—is placed on a console table, also his.

Two photos of a dining room by Studio Lithe sit side by side. On the left is a full china cabinet while on the right are dark wooden chars by a table.
The dining room also features an oxidized oak table made by Bones and All. “It’s a really big room so it was nice to work with them to get the shape we wanted, the detail we wanted.” The enormous breakfront was also from her father, and the blue and white dishware was something the homeowners brought with them. 

Restaurant interior featuring bar area and contemporary décor

Bringing it Back to Family

For the living area, the owners wanted to focus on the baby grand piano, which all of the kids play. The seating area’s settee and chair are intentionally positioned so they connect you to the piano. At the other end, two sofas face one another with an upholstered ottoman in between—plus two lounge chairs—for a comfortable, more adult space. The piece above the mantel is from Stephanie Armbruster, a local Pittsburgh artist who does encaustic painting. “It ended up being the icing on the cake. The surface is polished so in the evening it’s sparkly and has a really nice glow.” The large (36-inch) chandelier is custom, with Murano glass pieces set into a half dome. “We wanted something that had a nice volume and quality to it and that felt special and important. An art moment.”

Elegant dining room with ambient lighting and modern table settings

For the kitchen, the original tile was kept for both aesthetic and practical reasons. “It’s so expensive to tile a space like this and people don’t do it like this today. And the arch is so special.” Ribar played with the period feel but added some contemporary moments. She had a wall busted out and opened up the arch to match the other openings throughout. In keeping with the overall scheme, the past and present are designed to combine seamlessly. “You now have a nice view into the living room. There’s an openness, but it doesn’t feel inappropriate for the house.” 

Story by Stephen Treffinger / Photography by Studio Lithe

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Mezcal Spring Piña Sur

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A glass of Mezcal Spring Piña Sur with foam on top, garnished with lemon peel sits on a table against a brown background.

This Mezcal Spring Piña Sur is sunshine in a glass thanks to an artful blend of pineapple and lemon juice with mezcal, and agave syrup for a touch of sweetness. Santa Fe bartender at The Compound’s Alex Aguayo serves it so there is a fluffy cloud of frothy egg white floating at the top, which made us think of clouds soaring high in the skies. 

What is the Best Mezcal to Use in Your Mezcal Spring Piña Sur?

There are many different kinds of mezcal, just as there are many different kinds of tequila. Each has its own unique flavor profile, and some pair better with pineapple than others. For a pineapple-forward cocktail like this, a smoker mezcal like Casamigos is the optimal choice for the cocktail. The pineapple will complement the fuller body of the cocktail. 

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A glass of Mezcal Spring Piña Sur with foam on top, garnished with lemon peel sits on a table against a brown background.

Mezcal Spring Piña Sur


  • Author: Alex Aguayo

Description

A delicious mezcal cocktail!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ oz mezcal
  • ½ oz pineapple juice
  • ¾ oz lemon juice
  • ¾ oz agave syrup
  • 1 egg white
  • Lemon peel


Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, then strain into a coupe glass.
  2. Garnish Mezcal Spring Piña Sur with a lemon peel.

Recipe by Alex Aguayo of The Compound
 Styling by Keith Recker
Photography by Daniel Quat

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Apple Wood-Smoked Manhattan

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A glass filled with smoke sits beside a glass filled with an Apple Wood-Smoked Manhattan inside topped with an orange.

The Apple Wood-Smoked Manhattan, a riff on the traditional Manhattan, is a classic all year round. The wafer-thin slice of apple–coated in sugar with a whiff of cinnamon, then brûléed–isn’t just a garnish but a star of the show. Think of it as The Compound mixologist Alex Aguayo’s grown-up version of a candy apple. Add some puffs of apple woodsmoke and you’ve got a drink that is truly smoking.

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A short cocktail glass holds a red cocktail with an orange garnish next to a milk glass of smoke.

Apple Wood-Smoked Manhattan


  • Author: Alex Aguayo of The Compound

Description

Sit back and sip on the flavors of fall year-round.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ oz Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 3 dashes angostura bitters
  • Thin slice of brûléed candied apple
  • Apple wood chips


Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a glass carafe.
  2. Infuse the drink with apple woodsmoke for 30 seconds then pour into a rocks glass with a large ice cube.
  3. Garnish the Apple Wood-Smoked Manhattan slice of brûléed candied apple.

Pair it with a delicious Salty Snack Mix Recipe to compliment those smokey notes.

Recipe by Alex Aguayo of The Compound / Story by Julia Platt Leonard / Styling by Keith Recker / Photography by Daniel Quat

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Exploring the Vault at Museum of International Folk Art

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Curator Kate Macuen showing rare ceramics in MOIFA vault to visitors
Museum of International Folk Art, IFAF Collection, FA.1970.9.168 / Museum of International Folk Art, A.1992.116.1

Stored and meticulously cared for by a team of curators, over 160,000 objects have a home at the Museum of International Folk Art. Because not every object can be displayed, Director of Collections Kate Macuen took TABLE’s Editor-in-Chief Keith Recker and Contributing Editor Tira Howard into the vault for a day to show us some not-often-seen objects recommended by MOIFA’s curators. 

Why are the objects housed and cared for at MOIFA important?

The museum’s holdings reflect the rich cultural heritage of communities across the globe and constitute the largest collection of international folk art in the world. The core collection donated by museum founder Florence Dibell Bartlett and representing 34 countries has grown to a collection of over 160,000 objects from over 100 countries. Objects in the collection hold tremendous power to generate understanding and build connections between diverse peoples and communities. We partner with artists, specialists, and stakeholders from communities of origin to showcase items from the collection in a respectful way while always seeking to educate, inform, and inspire. – Charlie Lockwood, Executive Director, MOIFA

What is the collection’s staff role in keeping these objects in good condition?

Collection staff play a crucial role in preservation of the objects within a museum’s collection. We think about preservation on multiple levels. It’s not just managing the physical preservation of objects–like how we handle and transport an object, its environmental conditions, or conservation treatments–but it is also how we provide public access, support research and scholarship, and grow source community partnerships. Long-term preservation depends on the shared stewardship of objects and their accessibility for generations to come. – Kate Macuen, Director of Collections, MOIFA

Patamban Jugs

These green ceramic jugs (above) are by artisans from the village of Patamban in Michoacán, Mexico. Patamban is renowned for its distinctive green glaze pottery. It reflects a unique blend of indigenous traditions and Spanish colonial influences. The motifs vary, with detailed crosshatching and vines as seen here to more whimsical and stylized animal and plant designs. 

Kate Macuen, Director of Collections, MOIFA

Michoacan “Pineapple” Vessels

The celebrated pineapple pots

Museum of International Folk Art, IFAF Collection, FA.1970.9.146, FA.1970.9.140, FA.1970.9.145

The celebrated pineapple pots hail from the state of Michoacán, Mexico. These beautiful pots, with their textured applique surfaces, are a fusion of art and function. Originally by Elisa Madrigal Martinez, her son, Hilario Alejo Madrigal, and his family carry on the form. They source clay locally, cleaned, ground, and sifted. After molding the clay into the elaborate pineapples, they dry it indoors and later under the sun. There is a first firing in an open kiln before applying the recognizable green glaze. Then there is a second and final firing before the pineapples are complete. As the years have passed, the pineapples have moved from utilitarian to more decorative, highlighting the exceptional skill and mastery of each artist who makes them. – Kate Macuen, Director of Collections, MOIFA

Japanese Mingei

Asymmetrical vase

Kawai Hirotsugu (1919-1993), Asymmetrical vase with flat fan-shape shoulder, Museum of International Folk Art, A.2005.18.19V
Kawai Takeichi (1908-1989), Molded rectangular vase with abstract floral design/Museum of International Folk Art, A.2005.3.10

MOIFA has been connected to the Japanese mingei, or “art of the people” movement since the museum’s founding. Two of the Museum’s earliest large-scale exhibitions included Folk Art of Japan in 1955, and The Word is Shibui in 1957. These exquisite objects represent the legacy of the famed potter and co-founder of the mingei art movement, Kawai Kanjirō (1890-1966). The stoneware vases possess the imperfect, handcrafted elements with rich glazes of cobalt blue and copper red. These were all prized characteristics of the movement as created by Kanjirō’s nephew Kawai Takeichi (1908-1989) and adopted son Kawai Hirotsugu (1919-1993). – Laura J. Mueller, PhD, Deputy Director, MOIFA

Molded rectangular vases

Kawai Hirotsugu (1919-1993), Molded rectangular vase/Museum of International Folk Art, A.2005.18.21
Kawai Takeichi (1908-1989), Molded rectangular vases/Museum of International Folk Art, A.2005.3.13 and A.2005.3.9

Visit MOIFA’s Staff Picks: Favorites from the Collection exhibition now through August 18, 2024.

For more special art works from the MOIFA vault, check out our article from Spring 2023 where Kate Macuen shows us angel and demon themed pieces from the vault.

Story by Keith Recker / Photography by Tira Howard / Special Thanks to Kate Macuen, Director of Collections, Museum of International Folk Art

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Metropolitan Museum of Art Features Harlem Renaissance Era

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A painting of a Black woman in blue clothes by a yellow chair featured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art as a part of their collection on the Harlem Renaissance.
William Henry Johnson (American, 1901–1970). Woman in Blue, c. 1943. Oil on burlap. Framed: 35 × 27 in. (88.9 × 68.6 cm). Clark Atlanta University Art Museum, Permanent Loan from the National Collection of Fine Art, 1969.013. Courtesy Clark Atlanta University Art Museum

Bringing together a diverse 160 pieces made by Black artists from the 1920s to 1940s, The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) casts a light on the Harlem Renaissance movement and how we look at it several decade later. It’s one of those exhibitions that’s long overdue, showing how a group of Black creators tell their own stories and the stories of those around them, a snapshot of Black life in early 20th century America told from within.

The story is, of course, complicated. According to a review of the show by the New York Times, “The Harlem Renaissance wasn’t a “thing” in the sense of being a structured movement . . . Nor was it only in Harlem, or even New York City. Many of the artists closely associated with it lived and worked elsewhere — Chicago, Philadelphia, Paris. Finally, it wasn’t strictly, or even chiefly, a visual art phenomenon.”

It also makes a compelling case for including at least some of these artists in the narrative of the modernist movement, talking about them alongside Egon Schiele, Georgia O’Keefe, Pablo Picasso, and others. The show is on display through July 28 and demonstrates how much more well-known artists, including Henri Matisse, were influenced by the aesthetics of Harlem.

Also at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Another intriguing exhibition at the Met, Indian Skies: The Howard Hodgkin Collection of Indian Court Painting is a series of over 120 Indian paintings and drawings collected by British artist Howard Hodgkin. The collection is recognized as among the finest of its kind ever assembled. Hodgkin collected works from the Mughal, Deccani, Rajput, and Pahari courts dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Many of the works were recently acquired by The Met. So, one can hope they’ll be on a rotating display long after this show is over on June 9.

Local Tip

Before or after The Met, stop by everyone’s favorite UES casual joint, Nectar Cafe. Grab coffee and an omelet, burger deluxe, or cobb salad. It’s kind of like a traditional Greek diner—but more expensive. 

Story by Stephen Treffinger

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Steaming Pot of Beans and Greens

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A large bowl of steaming white beans and chopped kale stew garnished with carrots and tomatoes, served with crusty bread/garlic knots and a side salad on a green wooden table.
Photo by Adam Milliron. Styling by Ana Kelly.

Kate Romane shares some of Black Radish Kitchen’s best-loved springtime recipes. The season’s tender greens brew up into a magnificent pot of nourishing goodness. All you need to do is…do it!

What’s in Our Steaming Pot of Beans and Greens?

This hearty springtime bean and kale soup is simmered with garlic, carrots, sage, roasted tomato, as well as lemon for bright, nourishing flavor. Finished with Parmesan, lemon zest, and a drizzle of olive oil, it’s a comforting yet refreshing dish perfect for the season.

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A large bowl of steaming white beans and chopped kale stew garnished with carrots and tomatoes, served with crusty bread/garlic knots and a side salad on a green wooden table.

Steaming Pot of Beans and Greens


  • Author: Kate Romane

Description

Let this pot of simmering goodness relax you after a long day of work.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • ½ cup sliced carrot
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 8 cups water
  • 2 cans of cannellini beans, rinsed
  • ½ bunch sage
  • ½ cup roasted tomato
  • Salt, pepper and chili flake, to taste
  • 3 lemon slices
  • 2 bunches kale, cleaned and chopped
  • Grated Parmesan
  • Zest of 1 lemon


Instructions

  1. Sauté garlic and carrots in olive oil until they begin to brown. Add water, beans, sage, tomato, salt, pepper, chili flakes and lemon slices. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 25 minutes. Add kale and steep till desired doneness.
  2. Serve with slotted spoon. Sprinkle with Parmesan, zest, more chili and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Recipe by Kate Romane
Styling by Ana Kelly
Photo by Adam Milliron

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Spring Wellness Recipes

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Baby Kale Salad with Citrus-Marinated Artichoke Hearts and Lemon Vinaigrette on a white plate with a fork in the salad and a container of dressing to the left.

Spring brings an opportunity to stimulate and cleanse our bodies of the residue of winter. Just as the environment and weather conditions change and brighten to encourage new growth, so should our food. These four recipes offer light flavors and preparations, focusing on ingredients that nourish and strengthen the organs responsible for detoxifying our systems. They incorporate bitter and sour flavors that are slightly warming and clear us of dampness. This improves circulation and stimulates the liver and gallbladder. As the weather calms and the outdoors becomes more inviting, these foods will bring you renewal and balance. 

Spring Wellness Recipes

Barley Salad with Walnuts and Beet Ribbons (Vegan, Gluten-Free) 

Three clear plates hold Barley Salad with Walnuts and Beets on a green background

Barley’s high fiber and magnesium make it a great grain to get things moving in spring. Often seen in soups, it can also be cooked much like rice and used in salads and sides. Its chewy bite and nutty flavor will keep you satiated. In Eastern medicine it is categorized under the element of Wood, beneficial to be eaten in the spring to bring energy to the stomach and liver.  

Baby Kale Salad with Citrus-Marinated Artichoke Hearts & Lemon Vinaigrette (Vegan, Gluten-free) 

Baby Kale Salad with Citrus-Marinated Artichoke Hearts and Lemon Vinaigrette on a white plate with a fork in the salad and a container of dressing to the left.

Appealingly light and bright, this salad is also satisfying. Its ingredients help decrease the bloat that may come with winter’s rich comfort foods. Citrus, like spring, is known for its energizing qualities, encouraging renewal and growth. Artichokes have detoxifying and tonifying properties that aid in liver function, and they are one of the highest fiber vegetables.   

Toasted Caraway Pork Tenderloin (Dairy-free, Gluten-free) 

A white dish and beige plate both hold slices of toasted caraway pork tenderloin accompanied by greens and silverware all on a green background.

The cider vinegar used in this marinade brings a bright sour flavor and tenderizes the pork, which is a great source of lean protein. Caraway aids digestion, detoxifies, and nourishes the respiratory system. Both vinegar and caraway help stimulate release of what winter has left behind.   

Chamomile Ginger Poached Chicken (Dairy-free, Gluten-free) 

A white plate holds a salad arranged with tomatoes and sliced chamomile ginger poached chicken on top with two gold forks off to the side. It all sits against a green background.

Poaching is an often-overlooked cooking technique. Gently simmering foods like chicken in flavorful liquid helps retain the chicken’s moisture and nutrients, infusing it with subtle flavor. Chamomile, ginger, agave, salt, and pepper give this broth a savory and sweet appeal. Moving into spring, this cooking technique (and these flavors) are perfect for a light and warm meal. 

Story and Recipes by Kristen Palmer
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce

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