Melissa

radish sandwiches

photograph by Melissa Placzek ~German Radish Sammy~ Childhood memory: When I was in second and third grade I took private, after-school lessons to learn the German language. My teacher, Zantha, would always start our sessions with this after-school snack and a big mug of tea. This is still one of my favorite sandwiches! She would…

Guest Artist~ Quilt Designer Maria Denise Davis

I would like to welcome my friend and talented quilter, Maria Denise Davis, back as a guest artist/blogger here on ChinDeep! Quilt Designer Maria Denise Davis Maria’s studio I remember a pivotal moment in my childhood, when I was about six years old. I was sitting on the back steps of my friends house and…

What I’m Listening To~ Melody Gardot

A friend and fan of ChinDeep recommended I listen to this artist and I’m so glad she did. Melody Gardot has a gorgeous voice! She is a Grammy-nominated, American singer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While listening to her the first time I could hear the influence of artists such as Judy Garland, Janis Joplin and George…

lollipop tea and coffee stirrers

One of my favorite ways to sweeten cups of tea and coffee is to serve them with lollipops as “stirrers.” See’s Candy makes awesome “gourmet” lollipops that are perfect for this purpose, but any unfilled lollipop will work. I like to pair the flavors of lollipop to the tea I’m serving… orange and lemon are…

2 Great Movies That You May Have Missed

Lars and the Real Girl “Lars and the Real Girl is a sweet, slightly off-centre comedy following timid Lars Lindstrom (Ryan Gosling), a lovable introvert living in a garage apartment next to his older brother, Gus (Paul Schneider), and sister-in-law Karen (Emily Mortimer).  Lars is sleep-walking through life until a new friend comes to visit. …

Will’s World Famous Vegetarian Lasagna

My friend Will makes a fantastic vegetarian lasagna that he generously agreed to share here on ChinDeep. I love all the fresh veggie flavors in this lasagna, and there really is no need to add meat to it. Delicious! Will Raatz ~Will’s World Famous Vegetarian Lasagna~ This is a work in progress as I refine…

Relaxing Ritual~ TAZO REST tea

“A wise man once said, ‘To be still sometimes requires great effort.’ For a path of less resistance, unwind with a well-steeped cup of TAZO REST. Fragrant rose petals and lavender mingle with calming lemon balm, lemon myrtle, and soothing valerian in a delicate, aromatic blend to which eyelids willingly succumb.” ~The quote on the…

Roast Goose with Prune & Foie Gras Stuffing

I’ve decided to concentrate more on cooking and sharing healthy recipes with you this year and every once in awhile featuring a decadent recipe. We still plan on making lots of “Julia” creations, but will be balancing the buttery recipes with sprouty ones 😉 Jeff and I made this roast goose on New Year’s Eve…

Guest Artist~ Grace Alexandra Placzek’s Manga Art

I am proud to introduce my daughter, Gracie Placzek, as this week’s guest artist. She is only 10 and already one of my favorite artists. She has dabbled in oils, acrylics, sculpture, Manga, and fiber arts. Her art is so fresh and inspiring! She wanted to share some of her Manga this week. (medium: pencil…

Fun Craft~ Simple Sewn Table Squares

Table squares are a fun way to quickly add a new look to your table. Almost instant gratification! Sewing little table squares is also a frugal way to use vintage and vintage reproduction fabrics that can cost a small fortune when you’re purchasing multiple yards. The next time you decide against a fabric you’ve fallen…