SEPT. 2024
ISSUE 012
Keeping it Salty with Stone Fruit Cakes, Lisa Hall Jewelry, Autumn Jazz, and Japanese Stationary
WHERE WE’RE GOING
One of my favorite shops in the world
Lisa Hall Jewelry is one of my favorite shops in the world. Lisa, Julie and Monica (the jewelers at Lisa Hall) are like aunties to me. When The Salt Market first started, before we had a storefront or could even dream about having a brick and mortar, Lisa, Julie and Monica would let me set up a table on their porch and sell my soups, baked goods, and prepared foods. They were my first cheerleaders. All of this aside, Lisa Hall Jewelry is truly one of the most magical shops, and her jewelry is some of my absolute favorite of all time. Lisa has exquisite taste, I want everything she sources, especially the Italian soaps, lotions, creams and potions. Set a little off of Main Street in Northeast Harbor, Lisa Hall is open year round making gorgeous designs and crafting beautiful jewelry. It’s the kind of jewelry that makes you feel like you're investing in an art piece. They also sell very special candles, precious notepads, etc. it almost feels like stepping onto the set of Practical Magic. If you can't tell from this blurb, I really like it and the people who run it. If you havent been, go now, or put it on your “must do” list for next summer.
WHAT WE’RE EATING
Stone Fruit Cakes
Traditionally a plum cake. I have been swapping the plums out for peaches and nectarines when we get them in our Misfits box (by the way, we really love our Misfits box as a supplement to our local farm hauls). This recipe would also be lovely with pitted cherries or raspberries. It’s a butter based cake that's easily interchangeable depending on what fruit you have on hand.
Note: do not forget to line the cake tin with parchment paper AND oil. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way. Serve this for dessert or eat it for breakfast. It’s quick and easy and one of the best, most foolproof cakes I’ve ever eaten.
Ingredients
1 cup sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup unbleached flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
2 eggs
12 halved and pitted plums
How To
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and parchment paper an 8 inch pan.
Cream the sugar and butter in a bowl. Add the flour, baking powder, salt and eggs and beat well.
Spoon the batter into a springform pan. Place the plum halves skin side up on top of the batter. Sprinkle lightly with sugar and lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
Bake for 1 hour, approximately. Check it by placing a knife into the cake and pulling it out again. If batter sticks to the knife, it needs more time, if it comes out clean, it's ready!
🎶 WHAT WE’RE LISTENING TO 🎶
Jazz. Jazz. Jazz.
Lots and lots of jazz. As the summer season is winding down and the light and weather changes, I’ve been leaning into cozy evenings. Nothing puts me in a better mood than a great jazz playlist while a chicken is roasting in the oven.
Our “Autumn is Coming” playlist is available on Spotify.
WHAT WE’RE DRINKING
The Perfect “Fall” Drink
Our house made cardamom pumpkin syrup lattes. Initially introduced by our wizard barista, Amita, I have spent time fine tuning and crafting what I consider to be the perfect “fall” coffee drink. I’m not a huge pumpkin fan, but this has just the right amount to appease the pumpkin lovers; combined with the warm spice notes of cardamom, cloves, ginger and nutmeg, I think it's the perfect for the colder months ahead.
WHAT WE’RE BUYING
Stationary
I’ve never been a notebook person but since becoming a business owner I’ve realized the importance of writing things down with pad and pen. There’s a methodical processing that happens when you write things down, and I’ve noticed that I absorb information better when I write. So why not be chic about it? I love this Hobonichi notebook and planner, it's the perfect size, it's got great aesthetic, and it gives me a whole page per day which I love. At the very back of the notebook it teaches you how to make Okonomiyaki, a Japanese savory pancake.
HOBONICHI TECHO PLANNER NOTEBOOK
($42 ON AMAZON)
I keep bills, mail, notes that I’ve made and need to consolidate, etc. in these leather envelope file folder, also available on Amazon. I’m partial to the scarlet red and tangerine so I don't lose it.
NOTEBOOKS FILE FOLDER
($25 ON AMAZON)
I write with extra fine tip Sharpies. We have them in forest green at the shop, and I like to use the “Electro Pop” collection at home. Available, again, on Amazon.
ULTRA FINE ELECTRO POP MARKER
($17.90 ON AMAZON)