Broad Ripple Village

The Indianapolis Art Center

El Dia de los Muertos means The Day of the Dead.

It is a custom with roots in the Mexican community. The name is a bit of a misnomer as it is actually, in part, a celebration of the circle of life. The Indianapolis Art Center is hosting the community-based

exhibit as it has every year since 2000.

The color and festivity of this exhibit is evident upon entering the

front portico of the center.

The colorful banners, tissue-paper decorations called

estampas or papel picado, hang from the ceiling.

The focus of the main gallery centers on the tradition of the altar to honor the deceased. Each unique altar is a personal remembrance of a departed loved one.

According to Wikipedia: "People go to cemeteries to communicate with the souls of the departed, and build private altars, containing the favorite foods and beverages, as well as photos and memorabilia, of the departed. The intent is to encourage visits by the souls, so that the souls will hear the prayers and the comments of the living directed to them. Celebrations can take a humorous tone, as celebrants remember funny events and anecdotes about the departed."

Outside, in the center's ARTSPARK, you can walk the leaf-filled grounds, overlooking the White River, and view a display of smaller altars.

The Indianapolis Art Center holds various exhibitions throughout the year and has a wide range of art classes which are offered to the public. While visiting the center you can walk past the working studios and watch artists creating their works. You can also view their completed works and purchase items in the center's Basile Studio Shop.

Visit their website: http://www.indplsartcenter.org/.

In keeping with the Mexican theme of the Art Center's exhibit,

we had lunch a few blocks away at La Piedad.

The Mexican food was very good, the service was great and the atmosphere was perfect--a little noisy to drown out The Girls as we laughed and talked our way through lunch.

Photo Credit: The San Felipe Animal Rescue website

Artist: Andrena Joyce

"The boundaries which divide Life from Death are at best shadowy and vague. Who shall say where the one ends, and where the other begins?"

Edgar Allan Poe

Williams-Sonoma

Thanksgiving Hors d'Oeuvres
at

Williams-Sonoma

Imagine a day where everything that could go wrong, did go wrong--including a power outtage. Further imagine that you have 50 people coming over for Thanksgiving. What would you do?

That is precisely the kind of day Karly, the food presenter at Williams-Sonoma, faced on a Sunday afternoon in October. With apologies and aplomb, Karly plunged forward and presented an interesting and entertaining Technique Class.

The class began with some Classic French Gougere Mix, plus water, butter, sea salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, eggs, milk and finishing with lots of Gruyere and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheeses.

The result, after baking, were light, cheesy puffs that were quick and easy to make.

Next on the menu were Rosemary-Parmesan Icebox Crackers. Yes, you can make crackers at home, yourself, yes, you can do it!

In a food processor, combine flour, salt, pepper and rosemary. Pulse to mix. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and pulse to combine. Pour in cream and process until dough forms a single mass.

Here's what they looked like after mixing the ingredients, rolling the dough, cutting into cute shapes and baking.



These were so, so easy and delicious!

Not confident about your baking ability? Not to worry. Here are some things that can be done by simply cutting and assembling.

Using a food mandoline, slice some zucchini, jicama and peppers. Add some blanched sugar snap peas. Serve with some dipping sauce.

Even easier were these, sliced cucumbers topped with Williams-Sonoma's wichcraft spread, a tomato relish.

Photo courtesy of Williams-Sonoma's website

Goat Cheese, Tomato Relish & Shallot Toasts

Karly was passionate about food and about sharing ideas for

making simple, tasty appetizers.

Interesting products found at Williams-Sonoma:

A kevlar glove to wear while using a knife to prevent cutting yourself.

Lots of ready-made spreads, sauces, pastas, etc.

Beautiful cookware, bakeware and serving ware.

Visit williams-sonoma.com for more recipes and entertaining ideas.



Photo credit: art.com

Great Pear by Carmen Dolce

"You don't have to cook fancy or complicated

masterpieces--just good food from fresh ingredients."

Julia Child