In the Kitchen with John Gilchrist

The leaves are turning and it’s time to think: Thanksgiving Menu! It may be your usual feast, but change up the dessert this time. Add this terrific Apple Pie to end the meal.

John Gilchrist is known as the best restaurant critic in this neck of the woods. He is also a great Chef and has created a recipe for incredible Apple Pie!

“FALL is about creating great Apple Pie!” ~ m.s.

Apple Pie Recipe

For the dough:
4 cup all-purpose flour
¾ tsp salt
1 1/3 cup lard
1 Tbsp lemon juice
½ cup cold water

Mix flour and salt together in a large bowl. Slice lard into small bits over flour mixture and work by hand or with a pastry cutter until the mixture reaches a granular texture. Add lemon juice to water and pour liquid slowly into flour-lard mixture while blending by hand or cutter. Work pastry until it forms into a large ball.
Turn mixture onto a lightly floured surface and cut into three portions. With the heel of your hand, smear each portion three times in a forward motion. Then form each portion into a thick disk, cover with wax paper, and place in the refrigerator. 

For the filling:
3 Tbsp flour
1 tsp grated lemon zest
½  tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
¾ cup sugar
6 cups cored, sliced apples (not peeled) (I like Galas or Pink Ladies)
1 Tbsp lemon juice

Mix together flour, zest, cinnamon, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Gently toss with apples and lemon juice.

Pre-heat the oven to 425F. Roll out one piece of dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-13 inch round. Place in 9-inch pie pan. Roll out second piece similar to the first. Pour filling into shell. Lightly dab the outer edge of the pie shell with water. Place second pastry shell over top the first and crimp edges together by hand. Trim excess pastry and roll into ball. Poke vents into the top crust with a sharp knife.

Bake pie in pre-heated oven for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 375F and continue to bake for 40 minutes or until pie crust is crisp and apple mixture is bubbling. Cool pie on a rack at room temperature for 2-3 hours.

Note: There will be enough dough to make four shells. So use the remaining two shells to make another pie. 

Recipe credit: John Gilchrist, Calgary food writer and avid pie baker.

Happy Chairs!

Personal Style is all about adding Happy Princess Chairs into your Kitchen Dining Zone! I’m so in LOVE with these Baroque Chairs, I’ve dared to name them after some special  friends!

Princess Angie

Princess Shelly

Princess Ingrid

Princess Crystal

The French always know how to make life happy. This is just another example creating smart acrylic chairs with innovative design elements and minimal maintenance. Perfect
for the kitchen — yes, or… yes?!

But let’s not forget the bath, the wet zone in the house, where Artistic Drama by way of an acrylic chair would be nice relief to the discipline of such a space.

Lady Joyce

Lady Annie

The Artist Group

A group of chairs (such as these three) feel good in a room when extra seating is required, and certainly a way to add to vibe when entertaining!

“It’s a Beautiful Thing” ~ m.s.

Princess Veronica

Add a little punctuation to that front entry with a Zebra.

These Happy Baroque Chairs are available in Canada. Some styles are even available in BAR Stool Height. How cool is that!

Many thanks to MINT Interiors for photos!

It’s Not Just Art

… It’s Glass Forms!

Marty Kaufman of Calgary is the most amazing person! Glass artist, Teacher, Lecturer, and so much more. His brilliant work mirrors just some of the marble and sculpture education he’s received in PARIS.

“It’s a Beautiful Thing”~m.s.

Marty exhibits across Canadian galleries and has many private collectors in this country  as well. Now you know why! The pieces are Simply Irresistible! I know I covet a piece of his HAND BLOWN Glass Forms, don’t you? A piece  to compliment your home — perhaps in your kitchen display cabinet?

If you have products or work that you are interested in sharing, kindly contact me directly.

Kitchens Designed with Lace

Soon to be seen in PARIS at the Maison & Object, this concrete lace is the pièce de résistance in kitchens NOW! The patterns from an old lace design from Belgium was the inspiration of the artist Doreen Westphal.

These lacy shaped tiles are suspended and can be wall art, room dividers, window art, or even decorative wall covering. It’s an awesomelicious way to dress up that kitchen! Size is no object. A mosaic of concrete lace in transitions spaces – such as the entry into a urban garden – would work well, too.

Room Dividers

Detail of High Performance Concrete Lace

Different Suspension Materials

Ribbons or 1mm steel cable.

Lifestyle Design

State-of-the-ART Vitality in Calgary!

This summer, I discovered some great Elixirs for the body and mind and want to share them with you today! The product and practices when combined and used religiously will create a new YOU. Seriously. Just like they did for me!

“It’s a Beautiful Thing” ~ m.s.

If you don’t believe in miracles now, you certainly will after incorporating a few months of these two amazing Elixirs into your lifestyle! We now know that: 40 is the new 30, 50 is the new 40, and 60 is the new 50. So, for off-the-charts energy and staying young, healthy and feeling great — keep reading!

Elixir Number One:
Janette – the BodyTalk Queen in Calgary!

Practice getting BodyTalk sessions with Janette Hansen at Silver Springs Massage Therapy Clinic. Only SHE can work miracles with state-of-the-ART health care modalities. After a few sessions with her, you will feel incredible and have more vitality in mind and body. I’ve experienced these and her treatments are simply out of this world! Bonus: this is covered under some medical insurances.

Elixir Number Two:
Practice Taking Product B

Product B is formulated by a world-leading telomere scientist. Just 4 to 6 capsules DAILY combined with, ionix/cleanse Elixirs and… WoooooooW! Guess what I’ve experienced? 

Vitality!

Yes. Incredibly stronger energy, I’m more focused, have better stamina, and even have a more youthful appearance (so I’ve been told). I’m sleeping like a baby — that doesn’t wake up thru the night!

Really. Product B is the hottest thing on the market for Agelessness! Who doesn’t like that? Bonus: For even more amazing results, follow a healthy diet and exercise plan, and do know: drinking lots of water is BEST! This ”Vitality Vitamin of Calgary!” is supplied through Monika Inc.

NOTE:  If you want a product featured or a design lifestyle question answered on this Monika Inc blog, contact me.

In the Studio with Monika: Kitchen Design

The ART of Creating a Kitchen!

Fall is nearly here. Time to think about our interiors again after the warm summer months of grilling and eating alfresco. Perhaps your kitchen needs a makeover or a complete renovation before the holiday season is upon us? However, you are wondering:

“Where do I start?”

I’ve been creating couture interior installations with a specialty in kitchen design for nearly 25 years. I have a wonderful team of contractors, trades people and artists. Here are a few tips on how the “Creation of a Kitchen” starts, and tips on how we complete the successful problem-free renovation.

Your Lifestyle

Initially, we thoroughly determine your lifestyle needs through an extensive interview process. This is the stage where we get to know each other and I can determine the design style.

Design Stage

Secondly, in the Design Stage, a preliminary plan along with samples of appliances, colors and finishings, is presented. At this stage some design changes can be made, if required. Here is a preliminary view of the new kitchen plan.

Approving the Design Concept

The third stage is when the complete design concept is approved with CAD drawings, schedules of Benjamin Moore colors, Cambria stone, granite, leather, and exotic wood finishings, Tech Lighting, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, and custom-built upholstered furniture. Budgets are reviewed and approved in order to proceed to the customized kitchen. A 3D perspective of the kitchen helps the client envision their kitchen.

The final drawing for customized bench-made cabinetry.

Coordination

The fourth stage is where the job is coordinated with different suppliers and subtrades to execute the custom design. Working with high-level trades people ensures the process is a successful, problem-free renovation, delivered on time and on budget. Here is the space before the trades people have started.

And here is the space after the trades people and artisans have finished.

Results!

Creating unique customized spaces and furnishings makes my design projects couture for every client! When I hand over their completed project and see their grins… that is my best reward! And it all started with this Cappo Bar (a favourite area for the clients!), while including a docking station for multitasking.

Smashing Sundaes!

In the Kitchen with Monika:
The ART of a Smashing Sundae

The only thing to serve at your next soirée: a Smashing Sundae with assorted toppings!

It is the warmest, richest, most delicious appetizer that pleases guys and gals! All your guests get to pick their favorite from an assortment of handblown glasses. Once they select their choice of potato, it’s time to TOP their Smashing Sundae with a variety of delicious accents!

Honeymoon Sundae

A delicious blend of 3 types of smashed potatoes to delight your taste buds! Left: A perfect layering of 3 types of smashed potatoes. Right: Layered and scooped, then dressed with soft cheese topping, old cheddar cheese, pumpkin seeds and a grape tomato.

P’zazz Sundae

Named after the 2012 color of the year, this smashed potato sundae is created from a purple smashed potato, with assorted spices to give it a Mexican twist. Left: Layered with wasabi peas. The way to keep this deep purple color is to boil the potatoes with skins on. Right: Top with soft cheese and a spray of fresh chives.

Soleil Sundae

The most tradional smashed potato sundae is made with white-yellow potatoes seasoned with Himalayan salt. Left: Blend roasted garlic chunks into the mix. The way to keep this potato’s color is to boil the potatoes in half-and-half cream. Right: Top it off with soft cheese, bison bacon bits, chives, and a grape tomato.

Bling Sundae

The richest in color and taste! The smashed yam simply oozes with buttery sweetness! Left: Blended with a my special ‘secret’ ingredient (whip cream!) makes this a smooth texture. Right: Topped with goat cheese, a generous drizzling of tabasco, pine nuts, and a grape tomato.

Guten Appetit!

A very special thanks to photographer Michael Interisano from Mirror Image Photography for taking these delicious photographs of my creations!

Luxury Safes

Since its inception in 1919, Döttling from Germany has been known for its passion in creating absolute perfection in impregnable safes. From conversation table top pieces to walk-in room safes, all are a reflection of Döttling’s absolute commitment to luxury in its   most magnificent form.

Here are just three of the most fabulous SAFES, a great gift-giving idea!

Pink Safe

The only way to store your Jimmy Choos! Your shoes deserve the best protection in this  incomparably beautiful SAFE. If you have 1000 pairs of shoes, you will absolutely need a few of these…

Natural Tone Safe

State-of-the-Art Safe for your precious time pieces and unique collections. Custom colors and sizes are available. If this one is too traditional, there is also a contemporary SAFE designed by Karl Lagerfield.

Zebra Print Safe

A flamboyant Haute Couture Safe made from the most precious materials and metals. This one is an exotic ART piece in a SAFE form!

Kitchen Bling!

Three great ways to add bling to your kitchen now!

By using gold – which is the NEW muted shine of metal in your kitchen – it will reflect light and add lustre throughout the room. The New Tradition is using elements from North America and Europe to create a kitchen any Chef would adore.

The best way to get these items into your home is to invest in a Kitchen Interior Designer now to plan the space. You will soon reduce energy costs, lock in lower prices on materials and labour, and enhance the value of your home.

♥

The Karbon is the most amazing tap both architecturally and mechanically. Americans know how to design conversation pieces!

The ultimate in appliances! La Cornue is the only company that makes custom ranges to suit your design requirements and investment parameters. Mais oui, the French so know how to impress us!

The Italians simply are the best when it comes to tile. Adding a small border of this on the floor or wall will truly make your kitchen one-of-a-kind – si bella! (Thank you for the photo, Romeo Cuomo.)

Finest Hide

Eight extraordinary ways to showcase HIDE in your home or office. The finest style for those that need that eclectic décor piece. In vibrant colors or neutrals, HIDES give that punctuation to your space like no other object can.

Hide Art

A swirly way to paper your powder room walls, and make that space magical.

Tiffany Chair

Your new favourite chair.

Pouf

These perfect poufs only come in just about every colour!
Just like a handbag ‘makes’ the outfit, a pouf ‘makes’ the room!

Bar Wall

Make a powerful HIDE statement with your bar.

Chair Art

Designer Geoffrey De Souza created this classic!

Console Table

Absolutely irresistible Art Table!

Area Rug

Extraordinary workmanship of HIDES created this luxurious bathroom rug.

Hall Runner

Spectacular Hallway Hides can make that space the hot spot of your office or home!

Thank you to Kyle Bunting for permission to use these photos.