Product Spotlight: russell+hazel

I'm introducing another department here at FGD called Product Spotlight. Occasionally I like to chat about products I'm diggin' and think might be relevant to you as well. Rest assured, I'm not getting any kick backs (I don't think anyone even knows I exist.). These are just things I really like and think others might be interested in them too.

As some of you know, I am a huge fan of russell+hazel paper products. So you can imagine how excited I was when I found a collection of their products at a local thrift shop for, get this...four dollars! That's right, four dollars! I almost let out a squeal of delight, but I'm not really a make-loud-noises-to-inform-everyone-how-excited-I-am kinda gal. So I just smiled to myself and quickly snatched it up. Based on the original prices listed on the back of each product the entire thing was worth thirty nine big ones. Did I mention I only paid four dollars? More smiling.

Then, as if this weren't enough, I found these little guys on clearance at Target!

KIT is a sub-division of the russell+hazel brand. It offers a selection of office products including mini binders, folders, notebooks and alphabetic tabs to help keep you fashionably organized at a lower price point.

What am I going to do with all these paper supplies? I think I might save the KIT supplies as little gifts. They would be perfect as a paper-loving hostess gift or to add to a care package. As for the thrift store loot, I've been pondering a project idea that I'm going to start working on this spring, and it is the perfect thing to help me with said project. I'll give you the details as soon as I have something to show. Until then, I'll leave you with all these product shots I took of my fabulous find.

Around The Table: Carrots Bruschetta

Today I'm introducing another new department to the blog called Around The Table where I will share fun and easy recipes featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. Many of the recipes featured here will come from my brother-in-law Josh who runs an organic farm on the seacoast of New Hampshire with his wife, Jean. Eventually, I'd love to feature a department that shares updates about their farm, but I'm still trying to convince jean to write that one. :)

If you love the idea of eating seasonally, but feel overwhelmed by the idea of finding farmers' markets and recipes to correspond with what they have available than this is the place for you. I hope to encourage you to try something new by offering easy and delicious recipes that you can add to the meals you're already making and are comfortable with. Eating seasonally doesn't have to be complicated. Let's get cooking!

For our first recipe, we're featuring Carrots Bruschetta. Grated carrots and combined with olive oil and lemon juice along with some spices to create a delicious and super easy side dish or starter. I didn't have sesame seeds so I substituted poppy seeds which worked out great.

Peel and steam eight fairly large carrots (Locally harvested fall/winter carrots are best. Use smaller carrots in the summer.) until just tender. Rinse carrots under cold water and allow to cool. Then grate carrots into a bowl and combine with:

1/4 c olive oil
4 Tbsp lemon(or lime) juice
2 Tbsp freshly ground cumin seed (feel free to substitute ground cumin)
2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
salt pepper to taste

Combine all of the ingredients and taste. Add more of any of the seasonings, lemon, or olive oil as desired.

Slice a french baguette into half inch slices. Toast until just crispy; place the carrot mixture on top and serve.

Yum!!