Sister and I have just returned from a magical few days.Our good fortune was to receive an invitation from Eddie Ross and Jaithan Kochar to spend time with them at their charming home in upstate New York. If you recall from our previous post we were excited and nervous...............nervous that we could make fools of ourselves. Guess what?
We did, both of us............but I am happy to report we are still friends!
Eddie and Jaithan are on the fast track to fame. While there, they received calls for TV specials, are writing a book and shared the photo's of an upcoming HGTV special, beginning on October 18th, featuring their skills at Halloween decor, on a budget.
One day began with this breakfast, all arranged beautifully. Take note of the presentation; fresh fruit in a cut milk glass pedestal bowl, just made 'coffee yogurt' with raspberries, blueberries and chopped nuts as a garnish. Note the coffee in a "French Press" that makes a full bodied coffee, European style.
Then onto sheer joy, antiquing! But this was no ordinary excursion. Eddie believes in re-purposing and seeing the potential in ordinary objects. My eyes began to search for the unexpected.Too bad sister is hiding it is a really cute picture of her.
We dashed into his favorite, Goodwill. The treasures were numerous for all.
The Bottle Shop. Dirty, cluttered and a blast. I am now regretting not taking the giant trophy pointed out to me, worried about getting everything in a suitcase.
Even the higher end shops had room for digging. "If only I had a truck!"
Here are my finds;
- Bound black leather books from England, circa 1910 featuring stories on other countries.
- Small silverplate trophy
- Flax grain sack
- Vintage stencil numbers and letters
- Flower frog
- Series of vintage safety pins (No, I do not know yet what to do with them)
Sister scored! The hard to find 'Amarula' liquer, aka 'elephant juice'. see previous post
Breakfast day two, amazing. Notice the presentation. Let me share with you what I learned;- Entertaining need not be overwhelming
- Eddie always uses table cloths and cloth napkins. When I asked about ironing, he said rarely. After washing lay everything flat, in layers, one on top of the other straight from the washer.
- Eddie's basement is filled with shelves of serving pieces collected over the years. All are convenient and ready for service.
Baked eggs, bacon, biscuits, sister's zucchini bread, homemade jam, orange juice and coffee
- Cook the bacon on a baking pan in the oven
- Take a small amount of the bacon grease and spread on the copper serving dish. Add the eggs, do not break. Slowly pour cream or half and half on the whites, avoiding the yolks, as they could break. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese, snipped chives, salt and pepper.
- The biscuits were to die for and when asked how he had the time, Eddie said "simple!" Open a can of Pillsbury biscuits, lightly splash with cream and sprinkle with salt.
3 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 t. salt
1 t. nutmeg
1 t. cinnamon
2 t. baking soda
1 t. dried orange peel
3 c. sugar
1 c. vegetable oil
4 eggs, beaten
2/3 c. water
2 c. zucchini, grated
1 t. lemon juice
1 1/2 c. walnuts, chopped
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix dry ingredients except for the nuts in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix wet ingredients; fold into dry, add nuts. Bake in 2 loaf pans 1 hour, or until toothpick comes out clean.
Food photography, Eddie Ross
Time to say good-bye. This is the view from their porch
Jaithan is gorgeous, with a gentle spirit, a voice for FM radio, a huge heart and smiling eyes
Eddie is cute beyond compare. A winning smile and very funny. Aren't we lucky?
Now it's time to carry on and enjoy a day of exploring the Hudson River valley.Upstate New York was settled by the Dutch and the architecture, mostly strong and masculine depicts it's heritage.
I am "mad" for dry laid stone walls. The abundance of stone fostered this dwindling craft.
Strong colors of watermelon, sage green and mustard
Predominate was a white building with green trim. In this case a smart black/green.
Glorious barns, everywhere
The catskill mountains are visible at every turn. The Hudson river lingers nearby.
Country gardens are lush from the lack of unending heat and humidity
Thank you Jaithan and Eddie xxoBiography
Eddie Ross
- Native of Greenwich, Ct.
- Founded own catering company
- Graduate of Culinary Institute of America
- Associate design Director in-house Food Network
- Associate Director Editor, House Beautiful
- Food editor, Martha Stewart
- Senior style editor Martha Stewart Living
- 2008 BRAVO Top Design
- Native of Milwaukee, Wi.
- Graduated Stanford University
- Graduate Rhode Island School of Design
- Co-founder of Eddie Ross, llc.
Special Note;
Eddie and Jasithan are considering a visit to Geneva, Madison and Chicago for a design workshop
