Must Haves from Kelly!

I sometimes get overwhelmed when I venture into Crystal Crate – there is just so much to see and experience! But, that is also what I love so much about Crystal Crate – you could just get lost in there looking at all the wonderful products. I was curious about what the staff’s favorites were – especially with the holidays coming up. So… I posed that question to them. I asked them what their Top Ten Must Haves were!

Meet Kelene (Kelly) who has been a fixture at the store – well forever! (Although, not as old as the building itself!) When she isn’t helping Crystal Crate customers with her perky, energetic knowledgeable self, she can be found at The State of the Art Framing, wandering the beaches (in good weather) or whipping up some gourmet dish extraordinaire (she is a whiz)! These are Kelly’s picks – her must haves for Christmas 2009.

*COLORFUL SOULMATE SOCKS
These socks are crafted in Vermont from recycled cotton. Colors from the Garden Series include: Bluebell, Carnation, Pansy, Zinnia, Raspberry, Daffodil, Crocus and Tulip. These are very fun when worn with sandals!
Infant set of 5 $19 – set of 3 children’s $18 – 1 pair adult $17

*NORDIC WARE MICROWAVE EGG BOILER
This egg shaped cooker holds up to 4 eggs. It takes anywhere from 10 to 16 minutes to cook the eggs (depending on microwave wattage). Kelly purchased one of these marvels for her 91 year old mother who had been using her smoke alarm as her egg timer. Her smoke alarm hasn’t gone off since! $11

*THE COCOA ROOM
These small boxes contain an assortment of delectable chocolate covered goodies (sunflower seeds, pistachios, almonds, blueberries, cherries, peanuts), depending on which colorful box you choose. A box of pure yumminess, and great for decorating, too! $5.75

*SANDY BAKER EARRINGS
Each one of Sandy’s designs is pure beauty and elegance! Her colorful, artistic pieces are crafted from sterling silver and combined with red coral, onyx, mother of pearl, turquoise, wood or amethyst. Feminine and stylish, these works of art will make you feel and look like a million bucks! Prices from $28.

*GEE GAWS PHOTO ALBUM
This lovely album depicts beautiful Crystal Lake inscribed on a light oak cover. This album measures 10”x12” and holds a summer full of memories from Up North. It can also be ordered as a journal to preserve all those great times. $59

*THE WELL BALANCED TRAY
American company Zak Designs knew a good thing when they saw the Well Balanced Tray, so they imported it from the Netherlands! This self balancing tray is designed to be held in one hand. No more problems opening doors with a tray full of drinks – or whatever! Select from the colors of Navy Blue or Olive Green. $59.99

*PASHMINAS, SCARVES and SHAWLS
Nothing says style more than beautiful scarves and shawls. These are THE hot must have fashion accessories of the season! They come in a wonderful variety of colors, prints and fabrics (chiffon, cotton, silk) Prices from $12.

*COFFEE EXPRESS COFFEE BEANS
A Michigan product! These beans, which have been carried by Crystal Crate for many years, are roasted in Plymouth, Michigan. Kelly wakes up with the Mocha Java, while Sally prefers the power packed wake-up of Tanzanian Pearberry. Come in and find your favorite.

*'DINNER ON THE PORCH' COOKBOOK
Written by Jim Voltz and illustrated by Chris Patterson, Dinner on the Porch is a delectable collection of recipes sure to please any palate! It’s all there, from yummy appetizers to delicious desserts. Shopping lists are included before each recipe. Each meal is a winner, thanks to Chef Jim Voltz! $17.95

*BAGGALINI EXPANDABLE TOTE
Kelly got one to use on her many outings. On day trips to the beach, Kelly stashes many goodies in it (sandals, towel, books, water bottle) and still has room for the many Petoskey stones she will be sure to find! The tote also comes in quite handy for evenings at Lakeside Shakespeare, where it holds a blanket, pashmina, unbreakable glasses, a bottle of wine and snacks that can be quietly eaten so as not to disturb the other patrons! And speaking of Lakeside Shakespeare, for their 2010 schedule, CLICK HERE! And don’t forget your Baggalini!

November Events @ Crystal Crate!

We are excited to announce two November holiday events at Crystal Crate. Join us in welcoming two talented women with wonderful art and gift ideas!


“The Wise Mermaid” by Kelly Schmidt features reclaimed objects and the message “Believe In Yourself”.
Mixed-media artist Kelly Schmidt will present new pieces for holiday gifts at on Friday, November 27, at Crystal Crate & Cargo in Beulah.

Schmidt owns Barking Dog Studio and creates “happy art” in a wide range of sizes and prices. Area art-show attendees will recognize her “Hangy Things” that use beach glass, buttons, jewelry and other reclaimed pieces into their design. Her “Art Rocks” have been a best-seller for creating messages and names.

Schmidt has created a number of acrylic paintings for the Crystal Crate & Cargo display. Messages are incorporated into the colorful wall-hangings, and found objects make the pieces three-dimensional.

Schmidt worked for 13 years as a commercial artist in southern Michigan. She said her passion for expressing herself in a more personal way led to Barking Dog Studio and her move to Benzie County. Schmidt expanded her offerings as she became committed to reusing items, ranging from watch faces to wheels, and natural collectibles such as rocks and beach glass.
The artist will be hand from 11AM to 2PM November 27, 2009 as part of Beulah’s annual Moonlight Madness activities.





Keri McCumber will be on hand November 27, 2009 to talk about her Organizer for Spreaders. These are wonderful gift ideas using Vera Bradley placemats to protect and store your spreaders in fashionable style! Stop in between 11:30AM and 2:30PM to meet Keri and get the scoop on making these great gifts!

Wonderful Gift Ideas!

What I love about Crystal Crate and Cargo is that they are not just a “summer place” to shop. Every time I walk into the store, there are always new colors, products and goodies to see and sample! The merchandise is always changing with the seasons and with the latest trends. On a busy Saturday morning in the store, being the inquisitive explorer, I snuck a peak in the basement and was pleasantly surprised to see it floor to ceiling full of newly arrived merchandise! I can’t wait to get back and look at some of the goodies that will be coming out of those boxes! In the meantime, I wanted to share some of my new favorites at Crystal Crate!


ONION GOGGLES!
Yes, Onion Goggles! These are nifty little glasses with a comfortable foam backing that block the nasty little onion fumes! And after talking with some gals who had used them (and researching online) these definitely work! No more tears! A customer saw these and had to have (and model) them!

FASTA PASTA
This fabulous little product is just perfect for moms on the run, college students, single folks or teens making a quick meal. I use this all the time. With this pasta maker, you simply place the measured pasta in the FASTA PASTA, fill with water to the appropriate line, place in the microwave… and voila! In just minutes you have perfectly cooked pasta. There is even a built in strainer, so less mess and dishes! And… it’s MADE IN MICHIGAN! There is also a cookbook out… I think I need the cookbook for Christmas! (hint, hint!)

FLIPPIN GOOD SPOONS
These are wonderful and colorful measuring spoons that fold down for easy storage and flip open quickly for ease of use! No more fumbling with each spoon while trying to measure several different ingredients. Each measuring size is easily found! Great for those who love products that make cooking/baking a little easier, who love great new products and for those who are all thumbs!

October 10th Book Signing!

Please join us at Crystal Crate and Cargo,

for a book signing by local writer

Wendy Stout O'Brien, author of

"On the Spin Cycle"!

Saturday October 10, 2009

from 11:00AM - 2:00PM.

Wendy has pursued a goal of 20 years and made her dream a reality with her self published book. "On the Spin Cycle" is a compilation of her comic strip "Frazzled", which details the life of single mom Dottie facing what life throws at her. Frazzled reminds us to look at the humor in situations and in life, and that sometimes you don't need to go out searching for happiness.

This is a wonderful "girlfriend book" by a Northern writer following her bliss! Don't forget to grab an extra copy for a friend! Visit Wendy at Frazzled Comics.

Time Out! Time Off!

The girls at Crystal Crate and Cargo work hard & give the most fun and fabulous customer service. With each visit to the store, you see those smiling faces and receive personal attention. One might wonder if they sleep there! Well, once in a while, they get out in the sunshine to recharge their batteries! Here I spied one of the Crystal Crate girls searching for the elusive Petoskey stone along the beach (which you can see in my hand)!!

Gourmet Salt

I admit, I am a salt fiend! I don't go overboard by any means, but I do really enjoy what salt does to food. So, when I discovered Beyond the Shaker gourmet salt lining shelves at Crystal Crate, I got VERY excited! These are must haves for anyone who enjoys whipping things up in the kitchen. And they would make a superb gift for your favorite chef! These are pure unrefined, naturally harvested sea salts. The blends are made from locally grown, natural and organic ingredients. These gourmet salts have been receiving RAVE REVIEWS!! The Truffle Wet Salt is divine with asparagus... this recipe is a bit of heaven!



Melange of Truffled Asparagus

For this recipe you really need to trust us as the result is absolutely phenomenal. Better yet, this is very easy to prepare and the presentation adds playful fun to any meal. This flavor combination is proof that experimentation in the kitchen by even the hobby-chef can yield unbelievable results. Eggs, truffle and salt are a gorgeous trio, but add asparagus and you have a side dish that will knock the socks off anyone that tries it.

COOKWARE YOU WILL NEED
One large pot
A non-stick skillet
A heat resistant spatula
A large bowl of ice water

INGREDIENTS
1 heaping tablespoon of Truffle Wet Salt
1/2 pound of green asparagus
2 extra large eggs
A dollop of butter (you know what we mean)
Cracked pepper

DIRECTIONS
Wash your asparagus and trim off the thickest part of the stalk so that each piece of asparagus is of relatively uniform length.
Boil unsalted water (I know, insane, but you will understand why in a moment) in the large pot making sure your large bowl of ice water is closely standing-by.
Add the asparagus stalks to the boiling water and watch until they become deep green (about 1-2 minutes at the most).
Promptly transfer the asparagus to the awaiting ice bath to stop the cooking and seal in the color and crunchy texture of the blanched stalks.
Remove the stalks from the ice bath and individually dry them with paper towel. Place them lengthwise on two small white plates and smear on top a generous amount of the Truffle Wet Salt.
Add butter to your skillet and place on medium heat. The goal here is to make two perfect sunny-side eggs that have very runny centers. If you can cook two eggs at once in the skillet, go for it. The key is to give each egg plenty of room, so the larger the skillet, the better. Crack open the eggs and let them cook until the whites turn solid but take care to keep the yolks uncooked and runny.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Presentation is part of the fun with this dish that serves two, so gently place each egg on top of the asparagus and add a little cracked pepper over it. When serving, instruct your guests to break the yolk over the asparagus and truffle salt to let the flavors combine right before eating. You will be amazed at the glorious melding of flavor components. For a fun and spicy twist, add some of our Hot Habanero Blend to the outside edge of the plates, or use Tabasco as an alternative.


Now for learning a little salt lingo!!! These are good to know!

*Brine: water saturated with salt used to preserve and infuse flavor in vegetables, meat, and fish.
*Confit: meat that is salted and cooked in its own fat for preservation and downright deliciousness.
*Finishing Salts: salts used on a dish after it has been prepared to enhance the flavor as well as add color and texture.
*NaCl: formula for the chemical compound Sodium Chloride.
*Saline or Salinity: the saltiness or dissolved salt content of a body of water.
*Halinity: refers specifically to the saltiness of ocean water.
*Salt Bakes: foods such as chicken, shrimp, fish, or vegetables coated and baked in a thick layer salt. After baking, the baked salt is chipped away leaving a dish infused with flavor.
*Solar Salt: a term often used for salts that result from the evaporation of a body of water.
*Paludiers: salt farmers native to France's Brittany coast who harvest the coveted Fleur de Sel.

The Inspiration of Julia Child

A couple weeks ago, I had the delightful opportunity to spend a wonderful evening over dinner with Sally - owner of Crystal Crate and Cargo, and chef extraordinaire! One the menu was the classic French Bistro dish, Beef au Poivre, along with delicious accompaniments. Conversation started and the topic of Julia Child came up! It seems Julia who was a household name to so many for so long, has enjoyed a resurrection of sorts! The new release "Julie and Julia" is all the rage, and rightly so, as it is such a fabulous movie and incredible tribute to a modern icon and culinary inspiration! It turns out that Julia has been an inspiration to Sally - not surprising, as she is an artist in the kitchen herself! Sally took a moment to pull out "Julia & Jacques Cooking at Home" which was autographed by both Julia and Jacques!

While watching Sally work her magic in the kitchen, and enjoying great conversation and laughter, I realized that that cooking is an art form! Shared with friends, it becomes a joyful act of sharing and love - a wonderful gift. And... realizing this, it is no wonder that this passion and love is evident everywhere in Sally's shop!

I think I'll pull out some recipes tonight and whip up a little magic!

On another note, mark your calendars for September 12th and the Taste of Benzie affair!

Taste of Benzie
September 12th, 2009
11:30am to 3:30pm

Location: Frankfort
URL: www.frankfort-elberta.com
Contact Information:
Joanne Bartley
E-Mail: fcofc@frankfort-elberta
Phone: 231-352-7251
Local restaurants, caterers and delis providing food samples for only $1 - $3. Bring your appetite and the entire family. Also available: a 33 ft inflatable slide and bounce house for children up to 15 years of age, kid's crafts, sidewalk chalk art contest for children and adults, photo face cut out booths and LIVE music