What sparks you? Lindsey Johnson

My best ideas come to me in flashes.  I wake up each morning and go to sleep each night thinking about recipes, ingredients, flavors and textures.

My mind is organized into slightly chaotic file folders, not too different from the recipe binders and manila envelopes filled with magazine clippings that I store the drawers of a dresser in my family room.  I know where everything is, but don't ask anyone else to go looking for a recipe or we might have to send out a search party.  An idea or flash might get filed away for later, or I might place a mental sticky note on top so I can revisit it as soon as possible.

I thrive on creativity in the kitchen, particularly those flashes and ideas.  I think about pairing different foods together in new ways. I try to visualize flavors and textures.  These things get me into trouble sometimes when my more creative recipes are just a tad too "creative."

The idea for Smore's Ice Cream Sandwiches crept into my thoughts one day a few summers ago.  I had a bee in my bonnet and I contacted a blogging friend to ask her opinion on making frozen marshmallows.  We e-mailed back and forth and I spent a few weeks trying out my idea.  They were a delicious few weeks to be sure.  My kids, my husband, and I didn't seem to tire as we tasted each batch of perfect and not-so-perfect frozen marshmallow attempts.  Alas, I gave up my efforts as the summer heat gave way to cooler autumnal days and baking took over my ice cream making.

When April asked me if I'd pop over and do a guest post, I knew this was the recipe I wanted to resurrect,  perfect and share with you.  So I dug out my notes and got to work.

Creativity can be work sometimes, can't it?  Nothing sparks my creativity more than working hard and opening the channels in my brain.  Sometimes it feels like I figuratively dump all the mental file folders on the floor, but eventually I pick everything up, reorganize and once again feel the energy surge. Like I said, I thrive on it.

A quick Google search on "frozen marshmallows" and "marshmallow ice cream" led me to a few posts that were written recently.  I added them to my notes and went back to work.  Eventually I settled on an idea I found here for Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream.  I abandoned my frozen marshmallows for the time being.  I took the new recipe a step further by making homemade marshmallows, a favorite treat for our family.  And there it was--perfection.

I hope you'll enjoy this recipe was much as my family has.  It may seem like a lot of work, but the result is so magical it's worth it--a surprising, fun treat for an afternoon or evening 4th of July BBQ.

Smore's Ice Cream Sandwich Bars
recipe from Lindsey Johnson of Cafe Johnsonia


1 Recipe Homemade Graham Crackers*


1 recipe Homemade Marshmallows

1 recipe Ice Cream Base (recipe follows)

1 recipe Chocolate Sauce (recipe follows)


Ice Cream Base

10 oz. homemade marshmallows (about 3/4 of the recipe; can use store-bought)
1 cup whole milk
3 egg yolks
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 cups light whipping cream

Preheat oven broiler to high.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Lay half the marshmallows on the baking sheet and toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching very carefully so they don't burn. Remove baking sheet from oven and allow to cool slightly.  Scrape the toasted marshmallows into the bowl of a food processor.  (You can also use a blender.)

Meanwhile, whisk egg yolks and sugar together until thick.  Heat milk in a saucepan until very hot, but not boiling.  Gradually drizzle the hot milk into the egg/sugar mixture while whisking.  After all of the milk has been added, pour the mixture back into the pan and cook over medium-low heat until thickened and is 170 degrees F on an instant read thermometer.  Pour the hot custard into the food processor or blender and turn, pulsing on and off, until well combined.  Add the cold cream (if you are using a blender, it might not all fit, pour it into a bowl) and pulse again.  Pour the mixture into a clean bowl and chill in the refrigerator until very cold.  Because of the gelatin in the marshmallows, the custard will set up a bit.  Whisk to loosen it before churning in an ice cream maker.

Churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer directions.  Transfer the ice cream to a freezer proof container.  Place a sheet of wax paper or plastic wrap against the surface of the ice cream and allow to harden in the freezer for about an hour before assembling ice cream sandwiches.

Chocolate Sauce

1 package semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips
4 Tbsp. butter

Place the chocolate chips and butter in a microwave safe bowl.  Microwave on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted.  Set aside until ready to use.  (If the sauce sets up too much or gets hard, heat gently in the microwave on 50% power until melted again.)

To assemble:

Place the graham crackers upside down on two wire racks placed on rimmed baking sheets.  Top each round with 1/4 cup of the ice cream.  Use a knife or spatula to press it down a bit.  Place the baking sheets in the freezer and allow the ice cream to get firm, about 15 minutes.

Spoon a good amount of the chocolate sauce over the ice cream and top with another graham cracker round.  Gently press down.  Place baking sheet into the freezer for another 15 minutes or so.  Wrap each ice cream sandwich in waxed paper and store in freezer until ready to serve.  Will keep for 2-3 days.

Makes 16, 3" sandwiches.

*This is my favorite recipe for graham crackers.  I use half whole wheat flour and only bake them for 10 minutes when using them as cookies for ice cream sandwiches.  Roll dough out to 1/8"- 1/4" and use a 3" round cookie cutter to get 32 rounds, enough to make 16 sandwiches.

Lindsey Johnson writes the food blog Cafe Johnsonia.  She lives in Utah County with her husband and three children.  She has been featured on Design Mom, Cafemom's The Stir, was named one of Babble.com's Top 100 Mom Food Bloggers 2011, and contributes monthly to Make and Takes.

creativity workshop with Mindy

Here are some things you might not know about Mindy Gledhill that will probably make you like her even more than you already do.

I happen to know these things because I insisted we become friends. I couldn't imagine a life without her in it.

Okay, first, did you know she is currently pregnant with her third son? She is. And baby Gledhill the third has so kindly agreed to arrive in time for Spark.

Second, she likes to eat cereal late at night. I know this because I follow her on Twitter.  She likes cereal at night and she really likes to eat it in her grandmother's kitchen.

Third, she's thrifty.  She loves a good "junking" day.  She buys most of her dresses from the thrift store and has them tailored.  So don't ask her where she got that lovely frock she is sporting because you will never find one like it.  Believe me. I have tried.

Also, you might not know that Mindy is giving back to her hometown by serving on the board for the Rooftop Concert Series.

AND, the most exciting thing that I happen to know about Miss Mindy, other than the fact that she is kind and generous, is that she is writing more music.  Hopefully she will be able to perform some of her songs at Spark.

This year, Mindy will be teaching a workshop on how to tap into your creativity. She will be helping students think of things that are personal to them that can be used as "sparks" of creativity. And she will be singing a little here and there.

We are so excited to have Mindy at Spark again this year. She is truly inspirational in so many ways.

Now go and do something creative to kick off your week. Maybe listen to a little Mindy to get the juices flowing.

April

Love these photos? They were taken by Jefra Starr and styled by Rosie.

introducing sarah sample

Instead of a giveaway this fine Friday, we decided to give you a juicy bit of info.

This just in...

Guess who is going to be performing this year at Spark!

Sarah Sample.

(Insert small shriek gasp and swoon.)

Here's a little about Sarah's music career.

"Someday, Someday" is Sarah Sample's latest release. And after two albums, an EP, and lots of touring into her career, Sarah Sample is quickly shedding any traces of up-and-comer with it's arrival. With a potent mix of hard work, conviction, an uncanny and tireless ability to connect with audiences, relentless enthusiasm, a stunning voice and- most importantly- an enviable catalog of really, really great songs, it's easy to see why.

With lyrics that "cut to the bone" (SLC Weekly) and "just a great, great voice" (Peter Mayer), Sarah's songs are getting noticed. They won her a slot on 2010's Cayamo Cruise and the mainstage at Folks Fest 2008. Telluride, Kerrville, Mountain New Song, Sisters: you name it, she's been a finalist. Marketa Irglova of The Swell Season says of Sarah's live performance, "I was inspired, so touched by her music and by her energy on stage with the band as well as with the audience. A lovely memory I will cherish." Sample has also shared stages with Darrell Scott, Melissa Ferrick, Willy Porter, Peter Himmelman, Mark Stuart/Stacey Earle, Edie Carey, and more, winning new and devoted listeners each time.

I've personally wanted to get to know Sarah for some time now and I am over the moon excited that she agreed to come.  We will be telling you a little more about Sarah in the weeks to come.

For now, you can visit her website and have a listen.

The winner of the Mady Sunshine giveaway is Chelsea of "The Alexanders" blog! Chelsea, please send me (April) your address!

Class Preview: Junk Journal

Jen Jensen has got to be one of the most talented girls that I know. She also is one of the funniest girls, kindest girls and dearest of friends.I have known Jen for years. She and I worked together at MM where she created project after project for all of their publications. She also designed classes and traveled with me to several CKUs. 

Most recently Jen has traveled with me to CHA shows working with me at the Girls' Paperie. We have had so many great times together! 

If I were to describe what Jen creates it would have to be Vintage brilliance. What she creates is brilliant. I wouldn't want to call her just a "scrapbooker" she is way more than that. She is a paper artist. Each piece she creates is like a little piece of art filled with details and little treasures. I am so excited she is going to be at Spark and I can't wait to see what she shares with us.

Class preview: reverse appliqué

This year at Spark, Amy Tan will be teaching how to do reverse appliqué.  Amy has built a large business on her t-shirt designs. They are quirky and fun and celebrities love them. Amy's designs reflect her cheerful personality.

Here's a few fun facts Amy shared with us about herself:

"As an only child growing up, I found myself bored a lot. I am no longer ever bored.
When we were shipping out thousands of shirts to boutiques and department stores years ago, I had 10 hand sewers based out of Los Angeles and 2 out of Georgia to help with the orders.
I don't often get star struck, but love meeting kind celebrities.
Cindy Crawford was one of the first celebrities to wear an amy tangerine piece. She was photographed wearing one in Glamour magazine and that's when I decided to get serious about starting a tee shirt line.
I am addicted to buying and using washi tape.
One of my favorite things is meeting other inspiring and creative people. So looking forward to that at Spark!"

We are so excited to have Amy at Spark this year.  Not only does Amy work with fabrics, but she is also an amazing scrap booker.  She is truly inspiring.

You can get to know Amy a little more on her blog.

A little surprise

Here's a little secret we've been keeping. Something delightful and very exciting.

Donna Downey will be teaching at Spark 2011!

Donna Downey is a bestselling author, instructor and all-around creative force in the crafting industry. In 2000, she got into scrapbooking as an extension of her paper product and photography addiction. This was only the beginning. From working as a popular columnist for Simple Scrapbooks magazine, to traveling the world inspiring women to push the boundaries of their own creativity, to developing her first fabric scrapbooking line with Prima, Donna is consistently on the leading edge of all things cool related to memory preservation art.

As a craft-media artist, Donna is a born experimenter, blending and transforming both traditional and unexpected items into meaningful pieces of self expression. A former elementary school teacher, she has synthesized her first love of teaching with her passion for craft and brings this to women via workshops at scrapbook stores and events, writing books, and through her popular blog and website.

Donna lives in North Carolina with her husband, and is a mother of three exceptionally blonde children, and one blonde dog. She also has recently opened Donna Downey Studios located in Charlotte, NC.

Over the next few weeks we will be sharing with you the classes that each of our teachers will be hosting at Spark this year.  We feel that we have an exciting and diverse set of classes and we can't wait to share!

Spark 2011 Blogging Panel

of C. Jane Run

C. Jane Kendrick writes, blogs and vlogs at cjanerun.com since 2005. Currently she is a weekly columnist for the Deseret News, co-producer of Provo's Downtown Rooftop Concert Series and spokesperson for several projects, including Basa Body--a company helping women in Kenya. Most of her time is spent with her two children (soon to be three) and actor/producer husband Christopher E. Kendrick. She likes coming up with nicknames for people she likes, dancing in public and staying spontaneous against the tide of scheduling. She's either free-spirited or has no idea what she's doing. Or both. Probably both.

of Sweet Life in the Valley

Hi! I'm April Atwater. I'm a mother, photographer, recycler and yummy treat maker. I love classic jazz. I love to create, everything from sewing a denim picnic quilt to photography, creativity is in my blood. I grew up all over the U.S. It gave me the love of travel and exploring. I love fine chocolate. Have you tried Amano's Chuao? It's divine. Good food is a must! Alice Waters and Julia Child are my demigods in the world of food. They both have passion for life, food and the art of living. Motherhood is the greatest thing in life. It is a honor. It is joy. I would have life no other way.

I stumbled upon social media and have become pretty good at it. I teach social media, speak at blogging and social media conferences, co-founded the Social Media Club of Utah Valley and the Utah Bloggers Meetup. In 2010 I started my own magazine, Simply the Sweet Life-simple little things to make life sweet! . You can read it at SimplytheSweetlife.com We are the first home & garden magazine on the Kindle & Kindle app. I'm in the processes of creating my first cookbook with two very talented women for Simply the Sweet Life. I've blogged at SweetLifeinTheValley.blogspot.com since 2007.

I'm social here:
on  twitter @sweetlifeinthe  
on Facebook SimplytheSweetLife 

on Youtube SImplytheSweetLife

of Petit Elefant

Hi.  I’m Allison Czarnecki the founder and editor of Petit Elefant which has been around since 2007.  I live in Utah with my amazing husband and two kids, a daughter age 10 and a son age 5.  They’re adorable and always messy, which is why I’ve posted their photos, so I have photographic evidence of them sans mud.  My Polish {totally relevant to the story} husband and I met in college and have been married for 12 years.  We love to travel, camp, swim in the ocean, and eat at great restaurants when we’re not slinging a sledgehammer in one home improvement project or another.

 of One Charming Party

As a young child I always loved throwing little parties for my friends and dolls. My favorites were always the tea parties--with sugar loaded herbal tea, mini sandwiches and cookies. My mom was a great example, she was always hosting awesome parties at our house. I would sneak down at the end of each party and bask in the glow that lingered. When I got older my mother started a small catering business. Because of her company I had many opportunities to help at big events and see behind the scenes. When I became a mother I continued the tradition of party planning and found great joy in planning fun parties for my husband and four children. 

About 3 years ago I started a local party planning business in Utah and began blogging in a small way. But I really got into blogging when I started my website called One Charming Party. As I focused my blogging on one subject, children's events, I started to connect with others who were also interested in this topic. After a few years I shifted my party planning business to online sales and took on a business partner (Sara Westbrook, who's amazing ideas have since charmed our readers almost daily). Our business continues to grow, thanks to blogging. 

*************************************

And then there's little ol' me. April of Secondsister Suaviloquy.  I'll be the moderator, a job I've always wanted for the power it wields.  I am currently working on my Larry King voice and curt question asking skills.


As you can see, we have a major power panel. These women have so much combined blogging expertise I think they could take over the blogging world tomorrow. Okay well maybe not take over, but at least beautify it.  Each panelist specializes in something a little different from the rest. I am confident we will be able to answer all of your blogging questions


Please don't be shy. Email me with your questions.  Oh and make sure you link up on last Monday's blog post!


Email questions to: secondsisterjewelry@yahoo.com

Mady Sunshine

Ladies, ladies, ladies. I've got to introduce you to one of the artisans that will be at the Spark Handmade Market this year!


Her work is amazing and creative and just plain adorable.  

Hey everyone!  My name is Marci Welcker and I am so excited to be a part of the Spark adventure this year.  I live in a small town in Utah right under the big beautiful mountain that you will all see when you come to Spark.  I have lived here my whole life and have decided that it is where I am meant to be. 


My 3 beautiful girls keep me busy and bring so much spunk and wonderment to my life. I am married to my best friend, who also is my craft show cohort.  We started a little business, Mady Sunshine Stitcheries & Such 10 yrs ago.  My oldest daughter, Mady, and I have stitched our little hearts out while my husband has made wood frames, painted, and put together many a picture. 


We have done shows as far away as The Farm Chicks in Spokane, Washington,which was a dream of mine, and spent time together doing shows in Bear Lake, Utah as well as St. George, Utah at the Dickens Festival.  He recently retired from the craft show circuit and told me he would be happy, however, to help me do one at our little farm, Fallow Field Farm.  So we have had two marketplaces at our house and that has been awesome! 

I recently added some new products to my line-up and am trying my hand at selling a few old things here and there.  I drive a big yellow school bus part-time as a substitute and love to work in my garden.  Plants are my passion....as well as fabric, art journaling, Christy Tomlinson's online courses, scrapbook paper, ephemera, all things old and rusty...the list goes on and on.  I love my life, it's a great one!


I am easily sparked!  I find my creativity mostly shows itself when I am just laying down to go to bed.:D  I am inspired by fabric, blogs, the sky, anything old, wood, color, books, magazines, paper...it comes at the oddest of times and the weirdest things can trigger it.  All I know is I love to use my talents to create things that make people smile.

Marci is giving away a $50 gift certificate to her shop, MadySunshine.com.

MadySunshine.com

MadySunshine.blogspot.com

FallowFieldFarm.blogspot.com

FallowFieldFarm.etsy.com

Please leave a comment on this post and a winner will be picked at random and announced next Friday.

Happy weekend girls! Do something creative!

making magic

When planning for Spark begins, one the first things that is decided is the look and feel that we want for the event.

A big part of this is the color scheme. Oh how we love a good color scheme!  This year, we sent a "style file" over to Alisa. This file contains a large collection of pictures that as a whole make up the overall feel we are trying to create.  She worked off the elements and colors found in those images and created graphics that gave us the definitive look of Spark No. 3.

We are so excited to see how the event comes together. Every year, it's like magic.

Tell Your Story

The Spark partners all use our blogs as a creative outlet. It is a place to share the creative work we do. Composing posts exercises our "writer minds". We love, love, love to search out inspiration from other blogs.

Blogging is a relatively new creative venture for many people. It has opened up a whole new world for artisans and crafters.  Inspiration can be found world wide.

This year we decided that blogging needs to be a part of Spark.  So many of us connect though this medium. We are happy to announce that we will be having a blogging panel at Spark 2011! This part of Spark will be called "Tell Your Story". We want to help you develop the kind of blog you have always wanted.

We have some simply amazing bloggers that are excited to be participating.  Our panel will be announced next week so make sure to come by and check it out.

In the meantime, we want to hear what you want to know!  Bring on the blogging questions!  We want to cover a wide variety of topics so don't be shy.  Please send your questions to April at secondsisterjewelry (at) yahoo.com.

And we want to see your blogs!!!  Link up girls!  Let's get to know the Sparksters!