Shady Grove Sundries

"I always think of my customers using my bowls by holding one in one hand and and a spoon in the other hand, maybe sitting on the porch listening to the birds. That's what I do." says Licia Lucas-Pfadt.

Licia is a "part time" potter who lives in Montana and runs a guest ranch with her husband, children and a handful of assorted animals.  Don't let the "part time" fool you, she is a well educated professional with years of experience in clay. 

She believes "A piece made by hand holds the vibrations of its maker rather than those of the machine. When you surround yourself with things made by real people, you invite a tiny piece of each craftsman into your space." By doing this, you "begin your day with these pieces in your hand or by your side and your ability to find beauty in the rest of the day will strengthen." 

Licia is a gluten-free cook.  

She shares her recipe for gluten-free granola with us.

Mix together:

4 1/2 cups gluten free rolled oats
1 cup red mill gluten free hot cereal
1/2 cup ground or whole flax seed
1 tsp cinnamon

In another bowl mix together:

1/2 cup real maple syrup
1/2 cup honey
2 Tbs coconut oil
1 1/2 Tbs gluten free vanilla

Drizzle liquid over dry and toss. Bake on cookie sheets at 350 for 30 min turning as best you can half way through. Then add your choice of 1 cup nuts and 2 cups dried fruit.
 

"I am connected with food, from growing it 

to cooking it to eating it."

 

Visit Shady Grove Sundries on etsy, facebook and blog.  It will be worth the click!
Licia is also an etsy mud team member and a studio archives team member as am I.

CLW Pottery

Cindy Weaver is the creative contemporary ceramicist of CLW Pottery.  She works with both Porcelain and clay in her studio located in Wilmington, North Carolina. 


Her work is influenced by her garden and her choice of food.  Her work can be sculptural and functional depending on her inspiration.  


Cindy's work has been recognized throughout the nation, but she was ever so kind to speak to me about her functional work and send me a delicious recipe for Fennel Salad

"I look for simplicity in everything" says Cindy

"It is reflected in my porcelain work, my home decor, and my food.  Because I enjoy cooking and creating meals with what is fresh, plentiful, and on hand, I tend not to follow recipes. Sure, I read them and get inspired by them, but then inevitably, I create my own version."

 

Here is a simple, elegant example of a summer salad Cindy made last week:

 

Fennel salad

 

1 med. large cucumber sliced very thin
1large fennel bulb sliced as thin as you can
1cup chopped Italian parsley
1 cup sweet red peppers sliced very thin
1 handful or more per person, mixed baby greens.
dressing
1 fresh lemon juiced
1/3 Cup olive oil
pinch of salt
pepper to taste
1/3 cup slivered almonds

 

How does Cindy describe the relationship she has with her pottery and the food she chooses to eat? "A candlelit table filled with handmade plates, platters, and bowls of  foods that have been joyfully made is a treat for body and soul. The clinking of spoons and wine glasses as the food is served all adds to our delight as well as the taste of the meal."

Find out more about Cindy on etsy or on her website