Folk art inspired

The article about traditions in "Świat Kobiety" magazine.

It all started with my mom sending to me a magazine.
I read about the store that sells Polish folk art and folk art inspired items, and since then I am hooked!
I LOVE decorative items inspired by Polish folk art. I just want them all :)
Few years ago, I wouldn't even care about folk art.
It seemed old fashioned to me, especially when there was a trend for modern, convenient and simple things
(I am a youth fascinated with IKEA style - "simple, put it together").
It is pretty amazing how the items inspired by Polish folk art can be easily implemented to any home decor. I love the ideas!
The website introduces us to Łowicz  folk art that is famous for its colorful costumes (velvet dresses, vests, shirts, belts, hats, purses), but also jewelry, paper cut-outs, dolls, embroidered (hand or machine) pillowcases, throws and tablecloths.
There are lots of items inspired by Łowicz  folk art, such as plates, mugs, t-shirts and even cute socks!
My favorite of all time are pillows with roosters (inspired by paper cut-outs), a clock with paper cut-out design and black & white mugs.
Check out all the colors of the rainbow and tell me how not to fall in love with this stuff ?? :O)
The link:
http://www.sklep.folkstar.pl/

Wstać lewą nogą

Hi.
Today I would like to start a quick and easy series of Polish proverbs and sayings.
My grumpiness the other day made me think of the Polish saying:
"wstać lewą nogą" - get up on the wrong side of the bed :o)
It means literally: "to get up and stomp on the left foot", however as you can see, it has a very similar English idiom.
Most of the idioms can't be translated literally.
I mixed up Polish and English sayings on several occasions already....
Sometimes it creates funny situations, but it's better to know the differences.
Good luck! - Powodzenia!

Pepper cheese and red currant jam crescents. Really.

This is not a mistake :D
I made crescents filled with 3 pepper cheese and red currant jam...

And I enjoyed every bite!
When I was a kid, I loved spreading some jam or honey over a slice of cheese on my sandwich.
And I swear, I wasn't alone in this guilty, you can call it "weird", pleasure.
Some of my friends, cousins and relatives would do the same!
Lately, I was reading about weird flavor combos that people like, and cheese and jam were on the list :) "Too funny!" - I thought. - "Why not to bring memories back?". It's been a while since I had a sandwich like this anyway!

I used a can of Pillsbury crescent dough, filled crescents with a small amount of cheese and jam, and followed the instructions for baking. I dare you to try it! :)

Coconut balls - kokosowe kulki

Own source.

These coconut balls ("kokosowe kulki") are super easy and fun to make! The recipe comes from "Everyday Food - from the kitchens of Martha Stewart Living" (Nov. 2003).

Definitely, one of my favorite recipes!

Own source.

Recipe (makes 30-36 cookies):

2 sticks softened butter,

1/4 cup confectioners' sugar,

2 cups all-purpose flour,

1/4 tsp salt,

2 cups sweetened coconut flakes.

• Mix butter with sugar with electric mixer "until fluffy".
• Add flour and salt until just combined.
• Stir in coconut flakes.
• Preheat oven to 350º F.
• Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place them 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for 15-20 min.
• Roll the warm coconut balls in confectioners' sugar and let cool completely.

Smacznego!

Coconut balls can be stored in a cookie jar/can.
They taste the best when cooled.
Own source.

In a mood for some cookies. Kruche ciasteczka.

This one is for all who deserve a title of a Cookie Monster - "Ciasteczkowy Potwór"!

Holidays or not, there is always a good excuse to make a batch of cookies!

My favorite are "kruche ciasteczka" - shortbread cookies.

With milk, tea, coffee... or without! :o)

I choose a cup of hot black tea... I L.O.V.E. my tea!

Typical recipe for shortbread cookies calls for four basic ingredients such as butter, flour, sugar and vanilla.
All my Polish cook books call for egg yolks too, so today I am sharing with you a five-ingredient recipe for shortbread cookies. I guess, a pinch of salt doesn't really count - it's "a pinch" :O)
And one more thing: these cookies are the best in their SIMPLE way.
What you see on my photos is a "holiday" version. Trust me, no toppings are needed :)

Recipe (makes 18-20 cookies):
1 1/2 cup flour,
1/2 cup powdered sugar,
150 g butter or margarine = 1 stick + 4 Tbsp,
2 yolks,
pinch of salt,
vanilla sugar (1 packet=16 g).
*If you wish to give your cookies a different flavor, you can add 1-2 tsp cocoa or 1-2 tsp cinnamon or grinded nuts - choice is yours.
*Make sure to use cold butter and eggs.

• Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl.
• Add small pieces of cold butter and egg yolks. Mix until combined.
• Knead a dough and form a ball. Wrap it in a plastic foil and leave in refrigerator for at least 60 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350º F. 
• Roll out the dough on floured surface (use just a little bit of flour) until 1/4 inch (3 mm) thick and cut cookies with any cookie cutter.
• Place cookies 1 inch apart on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Smacznego!