The kitchen rule I rarely break:
I probably break more rules than I adhere to--I almost always cook something I have never cooked before, I never measure, I always use my hands, I taste everything. One rule I never break, though, is that people wait for pasta, not vice versa.
Such beautiful photos of a warm and inviting space, delicious un-fussy food, and a fascinating woman who has contributed so much to the farm-to-table movement in Austin.
Hard to edit my favorite tastes, but I’d have to include a freshly-baked chocolate cake with whipped cream between the layers and farmer’s market tomatoes sliced with just a bit of salt.
I like to create playlists depending on my guests, but at least one Joni Mitchell song always makes the final cut.
Chris, your favorite tastes have my mouth watering. Thanks for sharing and glad you enjoyed the story.
I love that she and her husband do back of the house and front of the house! My dinner parties always have jazz on a playlist.
Yelle,
I also like that they divided and conquered their restaurant. It makes me want to try owning a store front of my own.
Thanks for sharing and stay tuned for more Entertaining with… we have some big Austinites we’ll be featuring soon!
“…people wait for pasta, not vice versa.” Brills. Another beautiful collaboration Camille and Chelsea.
Thanks Jennifer – all you creative, cool Austinites make it easy on us!
Beautiful pictures…they tell the story all on their own.
Thanks for your kind words, Evan. The light and space in Elizabeth’s home helped in making this feature very special.
That plum cake looks beautiful–and tasty too. As far as cravings go– I will never say ‘no’ to a buttery dessert like a crumble or cobbler, so plum cake looks right up my alley. Lovely images, Chelsea.
Luckily, Elizabeth let me take the cake home after the shoot. Not surprisingly, it tastes just as delicious as it looks! Thanks for reading, Anna.
This is so adorbs! Love it. Iron and Wine should be on everyone’s playlist. It’s perfect, meaningful background music… I LOVE Nina Simone too!
Agreed – and musical choices say so much about a person, don’t they?
Iron and Wine is a favorite of mine, too. I’ll have to look up Nina Simone this week. Thanks, Molly!
Hello, readers! Chelsea here, the photographer of this series. I wanted to share a few of my favorites for November.
Favorite current craving: Chicken and dumplings
Favorite current album while entertaining: Dark was the Night (a compilation)
Now I’d love to hear from you! Tell me your favorites for the month in the comment below.
Let’s see…I am currently craving Ramen. I am eating my way through Austin’s best in search of my favorite. I did get to try a bit of that plum cake, it tasted as good as it looks. Definitely craveable!
For entertaining I always love to put on The Beatles White Album. It appeals to all generations.
Rachel, tell me your favorite thus far. I’ve only tried Kome on Airport, which was so good–but I’d love to try another.
Thanks for sharing!
I’m a big fan of playing Brazilian spotify playlists during dinner parties… and nothing is better than Jack Johnson for pool parties. Jenny Lewis and Ellie Goulding are good for all-girl cocktails.
Currently craving: peppermint ice cream. ‘Tis the season!
Currently Craving: Buttermilk Pie with Strawberries from Elaine’s. Beach House Pandora station for entertaining!
Ooh, I’m a big fan of that buttermilk pie myself. Elaine knows what she’s doing! Thanks Anna.
Nice work Chelsea. Favorite current “album” – if we ever entertained – would be my 1200 iTunes Match songs set on random. Might have to skip by “Epic” by Faith No More if the mood were easy. Craving jumbo shrimp on the barbie in the back yard, glazed with garlic butter sauce. Weather was so nice last weekend that we fed the craving – now ready for more.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment, Paps! Let’s play your 1200 iTunes songs at random this holiday.
Love you and thanks for your support.
Awesome pictures! Yummy:)
Thanks, Christa!
Great photos Chelsea (as usual). I always crave chocolate in almost any form, but of course love chocolate cake and chocolate pie the best! My music of choice is country, but I listen to almost anything.
Thanks, Linda! I’m a chocolate eater, too. My favorite is milk chocolate with almonds.
I crave sushi at every minute of the day. As for music, I love anything ambient with a great beat.
Chanel, tell me your favorite Pandora station for ambient music. I’m looking for something to play at an upcoming dinner party + something to work to.
My newest favorite is Balmorhea but I’m burnt out and need something new.
I am such a fan of Farmhouse!! Now that they deliver in Houston as well, I can’t wait to try them out when our current CSA ends! Love this feature, Camille! And I agree, their blog is to die for!
I’m also a big fan of Farmhouse’s blog, Kirbi.
I love that the recipes Elizabeth provides align with the veggies you’ll be getting that month.
My cravings are
Evening: A good Zinfandel and Dark Chocolate
Morning: Salted Caramel Iced Coffee
Daytime: Salty Chips and a darn good fresh salsa (no wannabes)
I always gravitate to Norah Jones on pandora. So peaceful!
Kirbi, I’ll have to try the salted caramel iced coffee. That sounds soo delicious.
Also, if you’re in Austin, you must try the salty nutty chocolate chip cookie at The Steeping Room. It’s the best I’ve ever had.
Thanks for sharing!
who is that photo in the frame by? I LOVE it!
Elizabeth took that photograph of her daughter a few years ago!
Actually, my husband Thomas took it–he likes to think it’s a hobby, but he’s an amazing photographer!
What a beautiful home. Is their a possibility of finding out the brand/name of the paint that is used in the dining room, including the paint that is on the ceiling?
Hi Rachel–thank you so much! Our house was already painted when we moved in, so I’m not sure . . . let me do some poking around with paint cans in the garage & I will get back to you! Elizabeth
Thank you…
I’m always a sucker for a good desert! Can’t wait to try the upside down cake
You’re going to love this one, Sarah! Thanks for sharing.
As far as food cravings go: Anything’s better with a fried egg on top! I had zucchini fritters with an egg the other day and I could probably eat that every day for a month
TEAM FRIED EGG!
I read this when it was first published and I read it again today for inspiration. The best part is that Elizabeth and I want the same type of people at our tables – those that aren’t in a hurry. Dining over a long – into the evening – multi bottle of wine – meal is absolutely the best.
Same here, Candice. This “Entertaining with…” really resonated with me. Elizabeth is chock-full of goodness.
Those simple aqua colored votive holders with the neutral fire place are so gorgeous. Quintessential “pop of color”
Great work, ladies!
Put on Billy Joel’s Piano Man, and they’ll love to eat your plum cake.
When is Elizabeth inviting us over?
The photos are amazing….I think we have to steal the recipe for that cake!