After a long day of looking and learning, we headed back to the bus for one of the most elegant mobile cocktail parties around.  Wine and wisdom flow.   Here's my contribution to the fun.  It's easy and travels well.

1 Block of Cracker Barrel Cheddar Cheese - Shredded
1 Bunch Scallions  - Chopped - green ends only
1 cup of sliced almonds - some recipes call for walnuts - your choice
6 pieces of bacon - cooked, cooled and crumbled
​3/4 cup of mayonnaise -  or enough to bind
Optional - 1/4 Liquid Smoke

Combine  all ingredients - refrigerate until ready to serve  

Another favorite at the Americana Auction last week were the works of naturalist J. J. Audubon. 
In an nutshell, John James Audubon (1785-1851) came to America from France as a young man. An ornithologist, naturalist and painter, he set out to illustrate the birds of the new world.  Most of his works were drawn from life during his travels through North America.  Noted for their scientific accuracy and their depictions of the birds in their natural surroundings, these images are both beautiful and powerful.

The man himself, is a fascinating story of frontier naturalist and audacious self promoter. ​

Not quite in the decorating budget this week?   Check out these handsome fellows at FOUND.
Not first additions by any means, but a great look for the value and indeed with the exception of the original water colors, all Audubon prints are reproductions and the artist himself created them with mass production in mind.  
These prints are stunning, command attention and transcend the mere scientific representation of wildlife.  

Nicely framed and matted - $350

Or this sizable chap. 53"x42" - $650

Chinese export porcelain is a perennial favorite among collectors and designers alike and those pieces decorated in the Imari style are held in high regard.  Copying the popular Japanese model, this porcelain  emerged in the early 18th century and  is distinctive for its decoration in underglaze blue with overglaze iron red and gilt enameling. It differs from the Japanese in execution. It is more finely potted and is more naturalistic in decoration.   

Although only the truly exceptional piece command such prices, there are many pieces available for the entry level collector or those recently smitten.

We're very lucky to have acquired this lovely collection of period Chinese Imari in the shop. It contains a wide variety of forms and decorations and is priced from $30 to $900.

 Once again it is that wonderful week in New York when the two premiere auction houses present for auction the best of the best in American decorative arts and legendary dealers bring their treasures to the Winter Antique Shows at the Armory.  Featured is a wonderful selection of American fine and decorative arts including silver, carpets, Audubon prints, Chinese export porcelain, furniture and folk art.

I was lucky enough to join the guides from Winterthur Museum to preview the sales at Christies and Sotheby's.  The collective knowledge of American decorative arts on this busload of ladies is staggering and their love of sharing it is truly a gift.  Thank you ladies.

We were met by Andrew Holter, Vice President, Special Head of Department of American Furniture and Decorative Arts and given a most engaging tour of the the sale's highlights.

 Erik Gronning,  Head of the   American Furniture and Decorative Arts Department , showed us more wonderful pieces.  
 

The Voodoo Clock - elaborately carved cottonwood tall case clock, probably New Orleans, LA -
​Circa 1928 - estimate - $150,000 — 250,000

But more than the impressive price tags and their intrinsic beauty, I find the stories behind these pieces the most engaging.  A great example is the quilt.  It is made with the cloak of an English officer killed in the Revolution.  I find the more you know, the more you love these pieces.

These two  favorites of mine are perfect for quick dinners, especially for those of you embracing the "Meatless Monday" movement. 

The key to these simple dinners is starting with good, fresh eggs. 
​Woodside Creamery in Hockessin now offers organic eggs Wednesday and Fridays .
They are well worth a little detour.  http://www.woodsidefarmcreamery.com

These are not  the golden brown envelope versions jam packed  with everything under the sun.  
​Those are country omelets.  They are delicious, but not  what I'm in the mood for.  The classic French omelet is light yellow, silky soft inside and  simply out of this world. 

The ingredients are simple, the technique  takes a little practice.  
Eggs
Butter
Fine herbs (chive, parsley, thyme, tarragon)
Cheese ( gruyere, emmentaler, blue, or  black pepper Boursin) 
​Salt and pepper

The best way to understand the technique is to watch this very short video. Even if you don't want to ever make an omelette, it's fun to listen to this guy.  "With eggs, fresh from zee ass of zee chicken"
​ 

I'm not kidding.  See, it even says "Great for Cooking" on the can. Would the Campbell Soup Kids lie?
Once you know the proper technique and have your Martha Stewart Merit Badge, feel free to substitute the soup for the bechamel (white sauce).  I've used Cream of Broccoli before and it was pretty tastey.
​

Easy Soufflé
adapted from Campbell’s Creative Cooking with Soup
Serves 6
Ingredients
1 can Campbell’s cheddar cheese soup
1 cup shredded Vermont sharp cheddar or Jarlsberg
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
6 eggs, separate
​
Preheat the oven to 400°F.

1. Combine soup, cheese and nutmeg in a saucepan and over medium heat and stir until melted. Do not boil.
2. Remove from heat.
3. In a large bowl, beat egg whites at high speed until stiff peaks form, set aside.
4. In a small bowl, beat egg yolks on high speed until thick and lemon-colored.
5. Gradually stir cheese mixture into egg yolks.
6. Then, fold cheese mixture into egg whites.
7. Pour into lightly greased individual ramekins.
8. Fill ramekins about 2/3 of the way. Reduce heat to 375,  Bake for 30 minutes or until soufflé is lightly browned.
9. Serve immediately.

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