Springtime Celebrations

(Family Features) Spring is full of celebrations and rich traditions that bring the family around the table for special meals. A savory roasted leg of lamb or a dish with succulent lamb loin chops is a delicious way to enjoy a flavorful meal, no matter the occasion.

Visit American Lamb to order a free " Spring Celebrations American Lamb " cook booklet, and to find more recipes .American lamb pairs beautifully with a variety of wines. Wineries such as Kendall-Jackson have a wide selection of wines that bring out lamb's mild, meaty flavor and make it even more irresistible.-- COMPLEMENT. Similarly flavored foods and wines complement each other. Example: Citrus-based sauce and a lemony, lightly oaked Chardonnay (such as Kendall-Jackson Avant Chardonnay or Chablis from the Burgundy region of France). Example: Mushrooms with the earthy flavors of Pinot Noir.-- A bone-in leg of lamb cooks faster than a boneless leg of lamb. Use a good meat thermometer to determine doneness: Rare 135°F Medium Rare 145°F Medium 160°F-- CONTRAST. Contrasting flavors balance each other. Example: Spicy foods and sweet wines, such as Thai food and an off-dry Riesling. Example: Salty foods and crisp, high-acid wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Champagne.Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1538983To serve: Fill warm flatbread or pita with sliced leftover leg of lamb, thinly sliced tomatoes and cucumbers and chilled tzatziki sauce.Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to Newsvine-- Carve the lamb roast against the grain so the meat will be tender. A naturally tender leg of lamb cut should be sliced about one half inch thick.In bowl, add garlic, shallot, herbs, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Whisk to combine. Place lamb chops into a bowl and add 3/4 cup of marinade (reserve remaining marinade for sauce). Mix to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill lamb to desired temperature (medium-rare is recommended). Remove from heat and allow the lamb chops to rest for 5 minutes.Tips for Roasting American Lamb-- Remove lamb roast from oven and let rest for 20 minutes before serving. This allows the meat's juices to settle and make carving easier. (As the meat rests, the internal temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees.)Place a sheet pan in the oven and preheat to 425°F.

In a bowl, combine 1/8 cup of olive oil and remaining ingredients. Toss to coat potatoes.Drizzle chops with the reserved mint and garlic sauce. Serve with roasted potatoes and green beans.Choosing the Right WineRoasted Leg of American Lamb Serves 8 Serve with Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Merlot .Example: Weighty textures and intense flavors are a better match for more powerful wines, such as matching herb-crusted roast lamb with a robust Syrah or Merlot. To learn more, Kendall-Jackson offers a detailed food and wine pairings list.In small bowl, combine all ingredients. Rub mixture on leg of lamb. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate overnight. Bring lamb to room temperature and sprinkle with salt. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into center of leg reads 125°F to 130°F. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and allow to rest for 20 minutes.

American Lamb Sandwich with Tzatziki Sauce Leftover roasted leg of lamb For tzatziki sauce: 1/2 English cucumber, peeled, cut in half and seeded 1 tablespoon fresh dill 2 tablespoons fresh mint 8 ounces Greek yogurt 3 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 lemon, juiced Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper

Grate cucumber with a box grater. Place grated cucumber in a strainer, sprinkle with salt and allow to drain for 20 minutes.

In a bowl, add dill, mint, yogurt, garlic and lemon juice. Squeeze as much liquid from cucumber as possible and add cucumber to the yogurt. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.Fresh Mint and Garlic Marinated Grilled American Lamb Loin Chops with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes and Green Beans-- You can sear the lamb roast first in a hot 450°F oven for 15 minutes to seal in the juices and then reduce oven temp to 325°F and continue roasting for approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until internal temperature reaches 5 to 10 degrees less than your desired temperature.-- MATCH the TENOR. Match a food's weight and intensity to similar elements in wine. Example: Delicately flavored foods call for delicate varieties of wine, such as Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc.In large pot, add 1 tablespoon salt and 2 quarts water; bring to a boil. Add green beans and cook until tender, approximately 4 minutes. Remove beans from water, place into bowl with butter and toss to coat. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Recipes courtesy of Kendall-Jackson Executive Chef Justin Wangler .

Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to Newsvine

Indulge in Tasty Treats and Succulent Snacks at Hyderabad Luxury Hotels

Hyderabad Baking Company, the premium deli at Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre, serves freshly baked products throughout the day. Baking Company, a Marriott concept, is available in India and other international locations. The first Baking Company in India, Bombay Baking Company in JW Marriott, Mumbai is a place frequented by Bollywood stars.

Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to NewsvineVibrant burnt orange and yellow hues create a lively and warm atmosphere. The decorations have an Indian touch and give a sense of the localization, while balancing the strong interior colors. During the day, there is ample light streaming in and giving the bakery an open, spacious feel. The Hyderabad, India restaurant's dusk lighting is warm, setting the tone for a relaxed and stress free evening. Watch the brilliant orange sun disappear into the horizon as you sip a cuppa and browse the net in this Wi-Fi zone. Unwind at this Hyderabad resort's newest bakery!Guests can grab a muffin and coffee in the morning, catch up with friends over a latte during the day, or snack on their favorite pastry in the evening, after their conferences in Hyderabad . A sandwich counter serves specials of the day, while also allowing customers to create their own sandwich. Fresh breakfast rolls, croissants, muffins, pies and tarts are available any time of the day. At twilight, HBC serves classic cocktails and spirits. Freshly baked breads are also available to pick up. There are some 13 varieties that Chef Lloyd can bake, including special Ragi bread for the health conscious, a staple at restaurants in Hyderabad, India .Sinful cakes, pastries and gateaux melt in the mouth. Handmade chocolates, healthy juices and shakes, designer coffees from an Italian espresso machine, and unusual blends of tea satisfy any thirst after a Hyderabad meeting . With a lived-in, comfortable ambience, Hyderabad Baking Company is just the right place to spend some time on your own.About the Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre Overlooking the Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre blends fresh style and traditional aesthetics to provide premium accommodation for the business and leisure traveler. Our Hyderabad hotel offers 293 well appointed, Wi-Fi enabled rooms, including 11 suites. Conveniently located among Hyderabad, India hotels , just 35 minutes from the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, HICC, Hi-Tech city, and the US Consulate, Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre is the perfect destination for business and leisure travelers alike.

Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to Newsvine

3 nurseries we're amped about

ALBANY

Take your garden to the tropicsSAN JOSEWhen we heard that Bernal Heights' Four Star Video turned its new-releases room Into a mini garden store called Succulence, we had a hunch it would be great--and it is. As you'd expect, you'll find choice succulents, but also block buster vertical gardens set in repurposed planters. The back patio houses one-offs like glass terrariums and driftwood panels bearing air plants. 402 Cortland Ave.; 415/282-2212.SAN FRANCISCOLOAD UP ON Mason jars, boiling pots, and books on preserving your backyard bounty.--JOHANNA SILVERLOAD UP ON Arching agaves, Japanese maples, and bamboo.--J.C.An indie with heartDon't miss ... the cheapest way to explore Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Sequoia. During National Park Week, all 394 of the country's outdoor playgrounds open their gates free of charge. Apr 16-24; nps.gov/npweekThe South Bay has been waiting for a nursery like Green Design Outdoor Plants and Pottery (pictured). You won't find petunias or marigolds here. Instead, get wowed by rare tropical beauties like king protea (the national flower of South Africa) and planted palms taller than you 10-year-old. Zen garden geeks will thrill in the outdoor art, including Vietnamese fountains and reclining Buddhas. 415 Meridian Ave.; 408/289-1900.LOAD UP ON Perennials in 4-inch pots, vintage roses, and drought-tolerant groundcovers.--JULIE CHAIFlowerland has been peddling petals since 1947, but recently its new owners beefed up their inventory with a fresh crop of edibles (Vietnamese coriander, Moroccan mint, Thai basil) you won't find anywhere else. Another revamp we love: The nursery switched from selling chemical-based to organic fertilizers, which are easier on the planet, not to mention your conscience. 1330 Solano Ave.; 510/526-3550.

Don't miss ... the cheapest way to explore Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Sequoia. During National Park Week, all 394 of the country's outdoor playgrounds open their gates free of charge. Apr 16-24; nps.gov/npweek

Hot pots: think of a container as the gorgeous frame to show off your plant—here are our picks from western designers

MOST INNOVATIVE

2 Trying to tackle your whole yard all at once. Do so and you'll be sorry. The project will feel like a burden, not a pleasure. Instead, work on a small area at a time and build up your gardening skills. Then move on.UP YOUR GARDEN CONFIDENCE4 Planting perennials too close together. Remember, these won't stay the same size as they are in the container (really), and they'll be in your garden for a while. Read the plant tag, believe it, and space your plants accordingly.A reisssue of a vintage Bauer Pottery design, this glossy pot is part of the Home by Sunset Collection and has a simple aesthetic that lets plants do the talking. Here, dwarf mat rush makes up the grassy backbone, super-size rosettes of echeveria and aeonium fill in the center, and tiny clumps of sedum and senecio spill over the side. Biltmore from $150; bauerpottery.com Plant design: Jared Crawford, Flora Grubb Gardens, San Francisco; floragrubb.comAfter a family pet trampled some beloved plants, designers Max and Linda Geiser created the Wallter planter. Made of long-lasting spun aluminum, it comes as a 4-foot post (shown), a hanging planter, or wall-mounted pot. Ours are planted with rosemary, silver thyme, and mint. $92 each; wallter.comThe handcrafted Esther pot shows what happens when handmade ceramics rise above the grannyish rap and truly shine. Get it in beachy blue-green (shown with coppery 'Prairie Fire' carex grass) or white and earth-tone palettes. from $16 for a 2-inch pot ($55 as shown); estherstudios.com3 Overfeeding plants. Pour on the fertilizer and plants quickly pump out weak growth, which attracts insect pests. Plus excess fertilizer leaches into groundwater. Use the amount the label says--or less.PROBLEM-SOLVER WITH STYLE5 Planting annuals too far apart. They're going to grow in your garden beds only for a season. You don't need to worry about crowding them. Instead of setting them out in skinny rows, pack them in for impact.Eugene, Oregon's Jayme Jenkins takes the scariness out of planting in her book Garden Rules: The Snappy Synopsis for the Modern Gardener (Cool Springs Press, 2011; $10), coauthored with Billie Brownell. Want the CliffsNotes? Here are her five beginner's mistakes to avoid:THE CLASSIC, REMADE1 Thinking you're a failure because you killed a plant. All gardeners kill plants and often don't know why. "Peonies don't like me. That area must be too damp. Or too dry. Or too dark." The truth is, you may never figure out what happened. Just toss it in the compost and try something else.HANDMADE AT ITS BEST

5 Planting annuals too far apart. They're going to grow in your garden beds only for a season. You don't need to worry about crowding them. Instead of setting them out in skinny rows, pack them in for impact.

Notebook; Your fruit and vegetable weekly update

Best of the Bunch Jasminum nudiflorum 1 The first stocks of overwintering onion and garlic bulbs are appearing in retail outlets so buy yours now for planting in October. Also look out for seeds of suitable varieties of broad beans and peas for autumn sowing that will give you a head start next spring.

Of course, J. nudiflorum is probably the commonest species to be planted in our gardens and it originates from W. China, making it fully hardy in our climate. It thrives, trained on a north facing wall at the Porter residence and flowers almost continuously from September to March. It can reach up to 3 metres (10') high given a good support system but can also be used to scramble across and down a banking if you want it to. It works very well with some of the smaller leaved hedera helix hybrids to provide colour and interest all year round.For scent in the garden in a warm, sunny location, you might try Jasminum officinale from Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and W. China, with its pure white, fragrant flowers. This true climber, with twining stems up to 12 metres (40') high is a perfect foil for a climbing rose or clematis over a dividing fence, arch or gazebo and, given a sunny location, will flower from mid-summer to autumn.3 Send me a picture of your favourite flower in the garden, with your name, age and address on the back and I will send a book prize to the best entry - you must be of primary school age to enter and the last date to get your entries in is Friday September 16. Graham's Photo Fury Competition, Features Department, Huddersfield Daily Examiner, Pennine Business Park, Longbow Close, Bradley Road, Huddersfield, HD2 1GQ.I will be manning the Garden Advisory Bureau once again so bring along your gardening problems and have a chat. Call the show office on 01423 546158 for tickets sales if you do not have an internet connection.Visit www.flowershow.org.uk for more details of the show which runs from September 16 to 18 at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate.CAPTION(S):This year's autumn show includes some of the old favourites such as the Giant Onion Competition, the National Vegetable Championships, the Floral Art competitions, the photographic competition, the various plants society shows (Dahlias, Gladioli, Fuchsia, Chrysanthemums) and the wonderful displays by nurserymen from all over Britain (their theme is 'A Famous Garden'). New to this show is a Giant Vegetable Competition, the Garden Border Competition and the Fruit Show.Other hardy species to look out for include the twining climber J. beesianum, with its tiny fragrant pinkish red flowers in early to mid-summer and J. humile, an arching shrub, with fragrant, yellow flowers in late spring and early summer.2 Harvest autumn raspberries and cultivated blackberries daily and search the hedgerows for succulent wild blackberries to go with your apples.* TIMELY: Take cuttings from shrubby herbs such as rosemary and sage * WINTER WARMER: This pretty winter flowering jasmine (jasminum nudiflorum) will give you clusters of sunshine yellow flowers right through the autumn and on into springMy diary .... ? If you haven't got your tickets yet for Harrogate Autumn Flower Show, you have until September 6 to buy them on-line.There are around 200 species from across Europe, Asia and Africa, although only a limited number are fully hardy in our strange, temperate climate.Finish off any pruning of summer cane and bush fruits.Prepare vacated plots for these new crops. Take cuttings of shrubby herbs such as sage, rosemary and thyme now as replacement plants for next spring.It is sure to be a bumper event, with nearly 90 classes, including lots of children's classes, from plates of beautiful potatoes and extravagant vases of dahlias to scrumptious jars of chutney. The show opens to the public at 4pm and I will be officially opening it at 5pm. Admission 50p.AS THE first flower buds begin to open on my Jasminum nudiflorum, it has got me thinking about all the other superb climbers and shrubs that fall into this Genus.

* TIMELY: Take cuttings from shrubby herbs such as rosemary and sage * WINTER WARMER: This pretty winter flowering jasmine (jasminum nudiflorum) will give you clusters of sunshine yellow flowers right through the autumn and on into spring

BURGER KING(R) Canada Beefs Up Premium Menu Offerings With the Return of Mushroom & Swiss STEAKHOUSE XT(R) Burger

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

Contacts: Pilot PMR on behalf of Burger King Restaurants of Canada, Inc. Laura Creedon 416-462-0199 ext. 31 laura@pilotpmr.com"Our restaurant guests have come to expect a burger of superior taste and quality - and we're seeing even more demand for premium menu items like the Mushroom & Swiss STEAKHOUSE XT®," says Cameron Loopstra, senior marketing manager, at Burger King Restaurants of Canada, Inc. "We've topped top-quality Angus beef with sauteed mushrooms, golden crispy onions and Swiss cheese for a premium sandwich that will satisfy even the most discriminating burger lover."Founded in 1954, BURGER KING® is the second largest fast food hamburger chain in the world. The original HOME OF THE WHOPPER®, the BURGER KING® system operates more than 12,200 locations serving over 11 million guests daily in 76 countries and territories worldwide. Approximately 90 percent of BURGER KING® restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees, many of them family-owned operations that have been in business for decades. To learn more about Burger King Corp., please visit the company's Web site at www.bk.com or follow us on www.facebook.com/burgerking and www.twitter.com/burgerking .ABOUT BURGER KING CORPORATIONTo view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20110331-BK-MushroomSwiss-Steakhouse.jpgAttention: Food, Lifestyle and Marketing EditorsBurger King Restaurants of Canada, Inc. is beefing up its menu with the return of the premium Mushroom & Swiss STEAKHOUSE XT® Sandwich. Back by popular demand for a limited time only, this succulent twist on the classic STEAKHOUSE XT® burger is a Canadian favourite too good to miss. It starts with the fire-grilled goodness of an extra thick steakhouse burger patty, then piled high with premium toppings.

Contacts: Pilot PMR on behalf of Burger King Restaurants of Canada, Inc. Laura Creedon 416-462-0199 ext. 31 laura@pilotpmr.com

Your fruit and vegetable update; Notebook

? VEGETABLES - sow a short row of spinach now for salad leaves or for steaming later in the summer. Sow carrots now but protect them from Carrot Root Fly invasions from May time by covering the row with a protective fleece tunnel. Sow dwarf French beans under a cloche now and then sow another row in May for successional harvests Plant or containerise chitted potatoes now and chit some more on a bright windowsill for later plantings.

? FRUIT - mulch rows of cane fruit now with well-rotted manure to preserve vital moisture for succulent fruits in June and July. Apply a general fertilizer to all fruit plants, bushes, canes and trees now to ensure good balanced growth. If your soil is a little on the acid side, give apples and pears a light dressing of garden lime to prevent the Calcium deficiency symptom, bitter pit, from developing inside the fruit later in the summer.

Easter Ham Inspirations

(Family Features) Enjoy an inspired Easter feast with ham plus seasonal favorites that will impress your guests. The savory flavors of Roasted Ham Saltimbocca showcase ham's versatility in this succulent centerpiece dish.

Here are three tasty ways to enjoy fresh spring veggies such as asparagus:Wendy MacDonald wmacdonald@familyfeatures.com 1-888-824-3337 ext. 235 http://editors.familyfeatures.comCured Ham and Asparagus Pizza Serves 4 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutesSubstitutions: You can use bone-in or boneless ham and substitute dried sage (about 1 1/2 tablespoons) instead of fresh.Preheat oven to 325°F. Position rack in lower third of oven.

Place ham flat side down in a large shallow roasting pan and score a diamond pattern about 1/8 inch deep into any fat. Sprinkle all over with 2 tablespoons sage and season with pepper. Bake until internal temperature reaches 140°F, 15 to 18 minutes per pound total cooking time. After the first hour, baste with pan juices about every 15 minutes. Remove ham from the oven, transfer to a cutting board, and let rest 15 to 30 minutes.Snap off and discard woody portions of asparagus. Cut into 1-inch pieces.

Melt butter in skillet over medium heat. Add onion and asparagus. Cook and stir for 5 to 7 minutes or until vegetables are almost tender. Stir in sherry. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Set aside.For recipes, tools to help you prepare and carve the perfect ham, and more ideas to prepare hassle-free leftovers, visit www.PorkBeinspired.com or www.Facebook.com/PorkBeinspired . Follow the National Pork Board on www.Twitter.com/AllAboutPork for a chance to win a free Easter ham.Heat oven to 425°F. Grease a 12- or 13-inch pizza pan. Sprinkle with cornmeal. Pat pizza dough into pan, rounding corners of dough rectangle to fit pan and building up edges. If desired, snip edges with kitchen shears. Bake about 7 minutes or until lightly browned.Prepare gnocchi or rotini according to package directions.Spread crust with Alfredo sauce. Top with vegetable mixture and ham. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes more or until golden. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting and serving.Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1578534Carve ham and arrange on plates or a platter. Crumble prosciutto on top. Serve sauce on the side.Roasted Ham Saltimbocca Yield: 15 to 20 4-ounce servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: About 2 3/4 hoursPork's Perfect PartnerAsparagus Pesto with Gnocchi and Ham Serves 4 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutesAnd when Easter dinner is over, bring some new life to leftovers with meals that are sure to become new family favorites. In addition to ham sandwiches, dish up a lively Asparagus Pesto with Gnocchi and Ham or a Cured Ham and Asparagus Pizza. Asparagus not a favorite? These versatile ham recipes allow you to substitute any cooked veggies spring has to offer.Also while ham is resting, drain roasting pan, discarding liquid. Place pan on stovetop over medium-high heat. Add broth and wine; bring to a boil, and cook, scraping up any browned bits in the pan, until liquid is reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 4 minutes depending on the size of the pan. Reduce to a simmer and add butter and remaining 2 tablespoons sage, stirring until butter melts. Whisk in flour mixture and cook, whisking, until sauce thickens, 30 to 60 seconds. Remove from the heat. Season with salt and pepper.Sautéed - Add a little zest and crunch to your plate with asparagus sautéed in soy sauce until stalks are easily pierced with fork (3 to 5 minutes). Serve as a side dish over rice. Grilled - Climate permitting, fire up the grill and cook olive oil-tossed spears for 2 minutes for slightly charred asparagus. Kick it up a notch by drizzling with balsamic vinaigrette. Roasted - Try drizzling on olive oil and adding a few pinches of salt and pepper before roasting your favorite veggies. Toss into a 400°F oven, and roast for roughly 12 to 17 minutes.Snap off and discard woody portions of asparagus. Cut into 1-inch pieces. Cook asparagus in a small amount of boiling water about 5 minutes or until tender. Drain and cool.

For pesto, in a food processor or blender, combine asparagus, basil, cheese, walnuts, olive oil, water, garlic and pepper. Cover and process or blend until nearly smooth, scraping sides occasionally. Divide pesto into thirds. Transfer 2 portions to freezer containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Set aside remaining portion.Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to NewsvineWhile ham is resting, increase oven to 400°F. Arrange prosciutto on a baking sheet and bake until crisped, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Wendy MacDonald wmacdonald@familyfeatures.com 1-888-824-3337 ext. 235 http://editors.familyfeatures.com

May: what to do in Northern California

KANGAROO PAWS SUNSET CLIMATE zones 15-17: Mix the velvety orange, pink, red, or yellow flowers with succulents in a container, or plant the showy bloomers en masse against a wall.

TomatoesSUNFLOWERS Try 'Coconut Ice' (above), a new creamy white variety from Burpee (burpee.com or 800/888-1447). Or plant an heirloom favorite such as 'Mammoth Organic' that sets edible seeds. Sow seeds directly in the ground after your last frost.CHOOSE PLANTS AND LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR ZONE: sunset.com/plantfinderSEE NATIVE GARDENS Join the free, self-guided Bringing Back the Natives tour of East Bay landscapes on May 1. Find info at bringingback thenatives.netStrip aphids off affected plants by hand, blast them with a hose, or spray with insecticidal soapSHOP FOR ROSES Healdsburg's Russian River Rose Company specializes in the kinds that thrive in Northern California. Tour the garden to compare 650 varieties, many of which are for sale, and see the website for info about perfume tours. Through May 29; free garden tours Sat--Sun; perfume tours from $10 Thu--Sun; russian-river-rose.com or 707/433-7455.Enrich the soil To thrive, summer crops including corn, squash, and tomatoes need nutrient-rich soil. Before you plant, till a 4- to 6-inch layer of compost into beds.Buy compact seedlings and plant after the last frost, in a spot that gets at least eight hours of sun each day. Justin Wangler, executive chef at the Kendall-Jackson Wine Center, recommends these varieties: ''Big White Pink Stripe' and 'Cherokee Purple' for BLTs, 'Black Cherry' and 'Yellow Plum for salads, and 'San Marzano' (shown) for sauce.Beans in a pot Make a tipi of three or four 8-foot stakes tied together at the top, and set it in a container at least 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep. Plant four pole beans (they yield more than bush varieties) around each stake, and thin to the two strongest seedlings.

Strip aphids off affected plants by hand, blast them with a hose, or spray with insecticidal soap

NASA Invites Public to TEDxNASA@SiliconValley 2011

WASHINGTON, July 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA is inviting reporters and the public to join agency leaders, technologists and innovators from a variety of fields at TEDxNASA@SiliconValley 2011 on Aug. 17. The event will be held at the Marriott Marquis hotel in San Francisco from 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. PDT.

"NASA is synonymous with taking big dreams and making them happen," said Pete Worden, director of NASA's Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, Calif. "TEDxNASA allows us to further explore the power of ideas and the potential to change life here on Earth."The event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required. Registration opens Friday, July 1, and seating is limited. Reporters interested in attending should contact Jessica Culler at jessica.culler@nasa.gov by Aug. 12. If unable to attend in person, the conference will be streamed live on the TEDxNASA website. For the stream and to register, visit.Esther Dyson, chair of the NASA Advisory Council's Technology and Innovation Committee, will serve as the master of ceremonies for the event. "I'm excited to be part of this fertile combination of NASA and TEDx format," Dyson said. "Both are dedicated to far-out, long-term thinking, and both understand the promise of hybrid vigor."http://tedxnasa.comThe event is in the spirit of the TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) conferences that bring together leading thinkers to create a dialogue about important global challenges. Speakers include an aeronautics researcher developing a silent, carbonless airplane; a tree geneticist cloning the world's largest trees; a fish-loving researcher creating the next biofuel from a salt-loving succulent; a computer that beats Jeopardy! Champions; and a Tony-winning street theater company. Each presentation on the theme "Extreme Green" will last 18 minutes or less.http://www.TED.comTEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share an experience. These events are branded TEDx, where "x" means an independently organized TED event. TED is a non-profit organization founded in 1984. TED presentations are available for free at:SOURCE NASA(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20081007/38461LOGO)NASA's four research centers, Ames; Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards, Calif.; Glenn Research Center in Cleveland; Langley Research Center and the National Institute of Aerospace, both in Hampton Va., are co-hosts of the event.http://www.nasa.gov

SOURCE NASA

In search of growing treasure

HIKING IN ANKLE-DEEP MUD, shivering in rain-soaked sleeping bags, and enduring bee stings and leech bites while watching for even more dangerous creatures ... a plant explorer's life is anything but glamorous.

SALVIA PENNELLII A cold-tolerant Mexican native, this late-season bloomer has blue-violet flowers, dark stems, and textured deep green leaves.CHOISVA ARIZONICA 'WHETSTONE' Named after the Arizona mountains where it was found, this shrub stays under 3 feet and has large flowers that smell tike orange blossoms.TRAVELS TO Asia (including Sikkim in northeastern India, where the above photo was taken); Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and South AmericaBEESIA DELTOPHYLLA This evergreen groundcover from China, for full or partial shade, sports shiny heart-shaped leaves and spires of white flowers in spring.SEAN'S PREFERRED quarry is West Coast-adapted, architectural plants: agaves and other bold-leafed growers that look like they'd wither in cold weather but are actually quite tough.Greg StarrTHE ELUSIVE PRIZE, for Greg, is cactus and succulents, with a particular emphasis on agaves native to the Southwest and Mexico, which he helped popularize. He scouts south of the border, the best place to find plants tough enough for his challenging desert climate.RISES SANGUINEUM 'PINK PEARL' This seedling popped up at Sean's nursery, and he propagated it for its dense flower clusters and long bloom.Why do they do it? Not for fortune or fame--few outside horticultural circles know who they are. (When's the last time you thought about where the plants you buy originated?) Whether they send their finds to commercial growers or propagate and sell the plants themselves, these three hunters agree: The real payoff is the thrill of discovery.HOME BASE Sauvie Island, OregonFavorite findsOwner, Cistus Design & Nursery (cistus.com)NOLINA NELSONII Its magnificen 30-inch blue blades are the star of this northern Mexico find. But thousands of flowers on a 4-foot stalk are showy too.TRAVELS TO Mexico, western TexasMEMORABLE MISADVENTURE While scouting in South Africa, Sean spotted some succulents that blended in with the surrounding rocks. Completely entranced by the plants, he moved in for a closer look, not noticing a deadly 4 1/2-foot ringhals cobra, coiled to strike. "The snake was as well camouflaged as the plants. I jumped back at the last minute!"HOME BASE TucsonHOME BASE Indianola, WashingtonALONG WITH A penchant for plants from mountainous regions, Dan has a (rather inconvenient) fear of heights. You learn to live with it, he says. "I don't freeze anymore when I come to a precipice, but they're never going to be my favorite spots." His preferred haunt is China: "There's incredible diversity there because its plant palette wasn't wiped clean by the last ice age, which missed China."Sean HoganMEMORABLE MISADVENTURE "In 2002, we were robbed by Maoist rebels and held for ransom twice on a Nepalese expedition, and the hotel next to us in Kathmandu was bombed on the same trip. Rebels and terrorists are the worst danger there."TRAVELS TO Northern Mexico, South Africa, South America, and the WestCofounder, Heronswood NurseryERIOPHYLLUM LANATUM 'TAKILMA GOLD' This variety of the Western native known as Oregon sunshine reaches 18 inches tall and blooms spring through fall.PENSTEMON AMPHORELLAE This low, woody perennial from Coahuila, Mexico, has fine light green foliage that sets off large blue flowers.MEMORABLE MISADVENTURE Two years ago in Mexico, he was stopped by police three times in one day--and had to pay bribes each time. "High temperatures and occasional intestinal distress you get used to. Dealing with bribes and blockades you don't. But finding a new plant that looks like it has possibilities makes it all worthwhile."CLEMATIS MONTANA 'pink A BOO' Besides sweetly scented, blush pink flowers, this vigorous vine from China has deep plum foliage and grows quickly to 20 feet.FUCHSIA MAGELLANICA 'WINDCLIFF FLURRY' Hummingbirds can't resist this sun-loving Chilean flower. The plant grows 6 feet tall and wide; spectacular blooms for months.Dan Hinkley

CHOISVA ARIZONICA 'WHETSTONE' Named after the Arizona mountains where it was found, this shrub stays under 3 feet and has large flowers that smell tike orange blossoms.

Waitrose pork loin rack of ribs with red eye BBQ rub and drizzle

Dalehead Foods

* Waitrose Menu Salted Caramel Belly of PorkOTHER FINALISTS:* Tesco Restaurant Collection Hand Pulled Tian of Lamb* Asda Extra Special Rolled Lamb Shoulder With Apricot Stuffing* Tesco Finest Norfolk Outdoor Reared Pork Shoulder Joint with Apricot Stuffing (SILVER)Innovative, premium, succulent and tender.

* Asda Extra Special Rolled Lamb Shoulder With Apricot Stuffing

Cats Will Crave New Wellness Cubed, Sliced and Minced Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

Wellness Natural Pet Food Introduces New Succulent Cuts with Savory Sauces for Cats

* Wellness Sliced Chicken Entree* Wellness Cubed Chicken Entree* Wellness Sliced Turkey & Salmon Dinner* Wellness Minced Chicken Dinner* Wellness Sliced Turkey Entree* Wellness Cubed Turkey Dinner* Wellness Cubed Tuna Entree* Wellness Sliced Salmon EntreeWellness is a member of the WellPet portfolio of natural pet food brands, a complete line of healthy, all natural food and snacks for dogs and cats made with carefully chosen, authentic ingredients. With Wellness, every ingredient has a purpose, to provide an ideal nutritional balance and help enrich your pet's life. Wellness recipes include lean meats, whole grains, fruits and veggies with no wheat, corn and soy, and no added artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. To learn more about Wellness, available in pet specialty stores and natural food stores nationwide, visit www.wellnesspetfood.com. Find Wellness on Twitter (www.twitter.com/wellnesspetfood) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/wellnesspetfood)."We are thrilled to introduce our new Cubed, Sliced and Minced recipes for cats," said Laura Marseglia, Brand Manager for Wellness pet food. "These natural, flavorful canned recipes are a great way to add variety and healthy hydration to a cat's diet. We are also mindful that some cats need or prefer a single protein source diet. That was the primary consideration behind our creating both poultry-free and fish-free recipe options."(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110609/NY16552 )TEWKSBURY, Mass., June 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- WellnessNatural Food for Pets introduces twelve new varieties of flavorful canned cat food to help pet parents make each meal special. Wellness Cubed, Sliced and Minced cat cans contain wholesome, natural ingredients, with flavors that even the pickiest cats will devour.* Wellness Minced Turkey Entree* Wellness Cubed Salmon DinnerNew Wellness Cubed, Sliced and Minced cat cans are 100% grain-free and contain no added artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. For each delicious recipe, Wellness has paired succulent cuts of wholesome, all natural protein sources like chicken, turkey, salmon and tuna with delightfully savory sauces that are sure to please the palate of even the most finicky feline. The 12 tasty new varieties that will keep cats eagerly anticipating mealtime are:Wellness Cubed, Sliced and Minced grain-free canned recipes for cats are available in 3 oz. cans. Look for them, starting June 2011, at pet specialty retailers and natural food stores nationwide. To find an authorized Wellness retailer near you, please visit http://www.wellnesspetfood.com/store-locator.aspx.> Wellness - This is Where True Wellness Begins.* Wellness Minced Tuna DinnerSOURCE Wellness(R) Natural Pet FoodFrom the proteins that help build muscles to the vitamins that support good health, these new recipes stay true to the Wellness belief that every ingredient serves a purpose. Each recipe is a complete and balanced meal, perfect for daily feeding. Put new Wellness cat cans on the menu to encourage hydration and help support urinary tract health, treating the needs of cats from head to tail.

SOURCE Wellness(R) Natural Pet Food

Janet Moyer Landscaping Hires Kelly Walsh as Maintenance Landscaper

Janet Moyer Landscaping (JML), a full service landscaping company in San Francisco devoted to addressing the unique challenges of urban gardens' constraints, announced today Kelly Walsh has joined the company as maintenance landscaper.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1641094Walsh joins JML from the San Francisco Botanical Garden where she worked as part of a team to clear and prepare a hillside for nursery propagation, and gained experience in a variety of specializations including native, permaculture and succulent gardens.About Janet Moyer Landscaping Founded in 1990, Janet Moyer Landscaping is an award-winning full service landscaping company based in San Francisco, CA. It has designed and installed more than 425 unique and customized gardens in San Francisco's varied terrain. The company specializes in the creation of custom residential landscapes that address the unique challenges posed by San Francisco's climate, varied terrain and architectural constraints. Owned and managed by Janet Moyer and Michael Hofman, JML applies sustainable practices to its residential landscape design, installation and maintenance services. In 2010, JML received recognition for its work in design and installing the first "teaching garden" for children at a public library in San Francisco. For more information, visit www.jmoyerlandscaping.com and become a member of our community at www.twitter.com/JMoyerLandscape ; or call 415-821-3760.Contact: Carol Crawford Crawford Communications 415-239-1550 Email ContactAdd to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to Newsvine

Contact: Carol Crawford Crawford Communications 415-239-1550 Email Contact

The Building Blocks of Fabulous Wedding Centerpieces Part 2

Now you have sorted out the guts of your wedding centerpieces, it is time to decide on what to put them in.

The Containers� oversized martini or wine glasses� multilayered satin ribbons� callas, bear grass, sword grass: submerged & twirled in bubble glass� flowers, paveed� gift boxes, hat boxes� vase gems, bright striking colors� blooms arranged into pomanders or spheresIf you find yourself staring at your beautiful wedding centerpieces & wondering what is missing, then it could be that the addition of a simple wrapper is all that is required.� coffee beans, candy corn, dried indian corn, popcorn, dried peas, lentils (keep dry)� gel beads� bark strips� clear glass cylindersSnappy Container Wrappers� flowers, wired to topiaries� berry sprays/garlands� footed pedestal bowls, urnsNext: Read The Building Blocks of Fabulous Centerpieces Part 3.� block of floral foam wrapped in sword grass or hosta leaves (placed in square jars)� eiffel (tower) or trumpet vases� vase gems, clear� marabou feather boasThis is the important part. You have your guts, you have your containers, now how do you marry the two together? The way in which you do this will say as much about your style as your choice of guts in the first place. Again, here are some popular treatments for you to pick from.You may have noticed from your initial research, that some designers will add extra elements to the containers themselves. You will probably have seen glass vases lined with wheat grass or perhaps a layer of pretty crystal stones. Water it would seem is not sufficient & you have to add an extra bit of wow with some killer filler! Take a look at these for inspiration.� maple or oak leaves, roses, orchids, gerbers: submerged entirely in water (aka �drowning rose�)� bear grass threaded with crystals� vegetables (gourds, succulents): submerged� silver mint julep cups� colored water, underwater lighting� bear grassThe Treatments� wooden crates� bubble bowls (�fish bowls�), ivy bowls, hurricane lamps� flowers, nosegays� cranberries, kumquats, cherries, frozen green peas (can take water)� raffia� ivy� de-stemmed single flower heads floating in water: gerbers, roses, peoniesKiller Container Fillers� mason jars� roses, orchids, gerbers: submerged plus underwater lightingYou are perhaps looking at your glass containers & thinking they look too bare, but add in a piece of pretty satin ribbon, tied around the vase & knotted in place, & Voila! Perfection is reached! Here are some other ideas for snappy container wrappers.When it comes to containers, there is a wide choice available to you. Be creative & think outside of the box, particularly if want something different or quirky. Stick with plain & simple for a modern, contemporary look or choose something elegant & luxurious for a traditional & stately feel. Here is a list of some of the most popular choices.� citrus fruit, arranged cut side out� photo cubes� vase gems with underwater lighting

Next: Read The Building Blocks of Fabulous Centerpieces Part 3.

Give the Gift of Steak and Espresso-Infused Salt to the Foodie Who Has Everything

Stumped by what to give your favorite foodie this holiday season? Surprise them with premium steaks and Espresso Brava Salt. The Snake River Farms "Steak and Espresso Brava Salt" holiday package pairs succulent Wagyu sirloin steaks with a distinctive fusion of espresso and coarse sea salt, lending to the steaks a smooth, rich coffee flavor that is pronounced but not overpowering.

The "Steak and Espresso Brava Salt" package includes six, hand-trimmed, 4-ounce petite sirloin steaks and a 4-ounce container of Espresso Brava Salt. This gift package, designed for the epicurean in your life, is priced at $100 and includes cooking instructions and serving suggestions. To purchase, go to http://store.snakeriverfarms.com/ or call 877.736.0193.Media Contact: Lisa Helderop 503.546.7883 lisa@lanepr.comhttp://www.facebook.com/SnakeRiverFarms http://twitter.com/snakeriverfarms"The 'Steak and Espresso Brava Salt' gift package is truly designed for the person who loves cooking, serving and eating the very best food available," said Kristin Thornton of Snake River Farms. "We hand selected the Espresso Brava Salt to create a unique cooking experience that brings out the intense flavors of our Wagyu beef sirloin steaks, which can handle the espresso flavor. After the party, the salt can also be used for sweet applications such as in brownies and even sprinkled on chocolate ice cream."About Snake River Farms Wagyu Beef Featured on the menus of prestigious restaurants around the world, Snake River Farms Wagyu Beef was once available only to the highest-level chefs. Snake River Farms Wagyu cattle are raised along the high plain of the Snake River in Eastern Idaho. The family-owned business began more than a decade ago with a small herd of Wagyu cattle from the Kobe region of Japan. The Wagyu bulls were crossed with premium American Black Angus to form a proprietary herd that has developed into one of the finest groups of Wagyu/Angus cross cattle in the U.S. The beauty of Snake River Farms American Wagyu Beef is its simplicity. It has been slowly raised from the best livestock for succulent flavor and extreme tenderness. Snake River Farms Wagyu Beef is often called the "Butter Knife Beef" because it is so tender you can cut it with a butter knife.

Media Contact: Lisa Helderop 503.546.7883 lisa@lanepr.com

Feng Shui Money Trees

In feng shui, money trees are one of the main symbols of wealth.

Plants: In feng shui, money trees are plants with thick and fleshy leaves of a circular shape (the so-called succulents). To strengthen the talisman, attach coins and notes to the leaves, or put them in the pot. Avoid placing the plant next to cactuses, as this can lead to the following situation: the wealth is there, but it�s complicated by problems that are as sharp as cactus spines.A rain of gold coins is one of the favorite themes in Chinese art, which is often depicted in Chinese paintings. This money symbol works on the following principle: like attracts like, and money attracts money. The amulet can come in an array of options, including live plants, artificial commercial charms, and hand-made talismans. In this article, we will discuss and advise on each type.An ancient Chinese legend tells about a tree with gold coins on its branches: when it�s shaken, gold coins fall to the ground like drops of rain.Placement: Whichever type of wealth symbol you choose, it needs to be placed properly. One of the popular areas is the southeast or northwest section of a living room, or any other room in your home. Alternatively, the talisman can be placed near the home or office entrance.Commercial: You can also find nice commercial items. A popular example is money trees that stand on gold bars, and have gold coins on their branches (the material can be anything, as long as it�s painted in a gold color). Ancient feng shui texts refer to a tree that stands on a gold bar, which shows a dragon and phoenix. This symbol is more potent than the one in a pot. Another option is the tree that has its leaves made of precious stones, such as jade or carnelian. And finally, you can find the trees with peaches instead of coins. These give many years of happy life. A peach is a symbol of longevity, spring, love, and happy relationships. To find a soul-mate or improve your current relationship, put it in the southwest section of your room.Having made a few branches, twist them together to make them look like a tree. The trunk can be wrapped with foil or painted with a gold or silver paint. Place the construction in a flowerpot and secure with play-dough. Your work and creative energy will definitely lead you to success.There are many ways to create feng shui money trees with your own two hands. You can glue coins onto a photo of a tree (preferably a strong and beautiful one like oak or sycamore). You can sew banknotes (rolled in tubes and tied with red ribbons) onto tree-embroidered fabric. You can put a dragon in the branches, attach a motto on the trunk, or put three red lights at its base, etc. In Feng Shui, they traditionally place an image of an owl onto the tree - this symbol of wisdom will save you from wasteful investments.

Placement: Whichever type of wealth symbol you choose, it needs to be placed properly. One of the popular areas is the southeast or northwest section of a living room, or any other room in your home. Alternatively, the talisman can be placed near the home or office entrance.

Chef Jack Lee Catering Agency Launches $100 Lobster Egg Roll

LOS ANGELES -- Chef Jack Lee Catering, also known as Chinoise Cuisine, www.ChefJackLee.com, today announced its latest menu highlight: the one-of-a-kind $100.00 Lobster Egg Roll.

Lee started the firm after managing the Hotel Bel Air’s culinary program, out of which his restaurant staff led meals for events such as the Million Dollar Baby Oscar Party.Chef Lee’s concept: Bring the Five-Star restaurant experience to the comfort of his client’s home, in turn allowing his staff the flexibility to present a customized menu.About Chef Jack Lee CateringTo learn more about Chef Jack Lee Catering, visit the company’s WEBSITE HERE: www.ChefJackLee.comFollow Chef Jack Lee Catering:The dish comprises succulent Maine Lobster, rare Shark Fin, julienne baby carrots, Shitake mushrooms and wild Taro root, coupled with fresh raspberry and a 2009 Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc and Bird Nest (Caviar of the East) infusion, and topped for a perfect finish with Sveruga caviar. Cooked over 8 hours of braising, it’s ready to serve.“We are really excited to launch this new special item to our collection,” says Chef Lee. “Clients have come to expect originality in our creations that make for a lasting impression.”The company’s founder, Chef Jack Lee, immigrated to the U.S. over 25 years ago. Since then, Lee says he always knew he would start his own firm. After arriving in the states, he named himself after his favorite actor, Three’s Company’s Jack Ritter.Chef Lee is confident this $100 Lobster Egg Roll will beautifully complement the Euro-Asian infused menu.Chef Jack Lee Catering is a full service catering company specializing in off-premise events. Signature menu items feature pistachio-crusted veal chops, lobster ravioli, filet of Kobe beef with Foie Gras, Chinoise Bouillabaisse and much more. The catering firm has managed events for the Oscars, Golden Globes, and international venues. Oprah, Barbra Streisand, and Quincy Jones are a few of their clients.www.Facebook.com/ChefJackLeewww.Youtube.com/ChefJackLee888www.Twitter.com/ChefJackLeePhotos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6837795&lang=en“We love having Chef Jack Lee in our home because his menus are always served with a personal touch. His cooking demonstrations really engage our guests,” says actress Roma Downey and husband/producer Mark Burnett.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6837795&lang=en

Chef Jack Lee Catering Agency Launches $100 Lobster Egg Roll

LOS ANGELES -- Chef Jack Lee Catering, also known as Chinoise Cuisine, www.ChefJackLee.com, today announced its latest menu highlight: the one-of-a-kind $100.00 Lobster Egg Roll.

About Chef Jack Lee CateringChef Jack Lee Catering is a full service catering company specializing in off-premise events. Signature menu items feature pistachio-crusted veal chops, lobster ravioli, filet of Kobe beef with Foie Gras, Chinoise Bouillabaisse and much more. The catering firm has managed events for the Oscars, Golden Globes, and international venues. Oprah, Barbra Streisand, and Quincy Jones are a few of their clients.Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6837795&lang=en“We are really excited to launch this new special item to our collection,” says Chef Lee. “Clients have come to expect originality in our creations that make for a lasting impression.”The company’s founder, Chef Jack Lee, immigrated to the U.S. over 25 years ago. Since then, Lee says he always knew he would start his own firm. After arriving in the states, he named himself after his favorite actor, Three’s Company’s Jack Ritter.The Los Angeles-based catering firm manages off-site culinary events for celebrities and private parties.The dish comprises succulent Maine Lobster, rare Shark Fin, julienne baby carrots, Shitake mushrooms and wild Taro root, coupled with fresh raspberry and a 2009 Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc and Bird Nest (Caviar of the East) infusion, and topped for a perfect finish with Sveruga caviar. Cooked over 8 hours of braising, it’s ready to serve.www.Facebook.com/ChefJackLeewww.Youtube.com/ChefJackLee888www.Twitter.com/ChefJackLeeFollow Chef Jack Lee Catering:“We love having Chef Jack Lee in our home because his menus are always served with a personal touch. His cooking demonstrations really engage our guests,” says actress Roma Downey and husband/producer Mark Burnett.Lee started the firm after managing the Hotel Bel Air’s culinary program, out of which his restaurant staff led meals for events such as the Million Dollar Baby Oscar Party.Chef Lee is confident this $100 Lobster Egg Roll will beautifully complement the Euro-Asian infused menu.Chef Lee’s concept: Bring the Five-Star restaurant experience to the comfort of his client’s home, in turn allowing his staff the flexibility to present a customized menu.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6837795&lang=en

You steam-bake a chicken inside a clay sculpture - or ham - recipes

Cracking open the clay cloak is the first part of enjoying Beggar's Chicken, a showy entree served in Chinese restaurants around the world. The second part is indulging in the fragrant, moist bird that steam-bakes inside its own clay pot.

You can shape the meat in clay a day ahead, then cover with wet towards and plastic wrap and refrigerate until baking. Chicken Baked in ClayAccording to Chinese fable, this dish earned its name from a pauper who was so hungry he wrapped a feathered bird in mud and threw it into his campfire. The results were so succulent the technique was soon passed on to the chefs of royalty.Baking parchment or foil1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar1 broiler-fryer or roasting chicken, 4-1/2 to 5 pounds6 green onions, ends trimmedWe use this technique, only slightly modified, to produce two highly fragrant and succulent entrees. The first is a whole-meal dish of herb-seented chicken with carrots and potatoes, the second a clove-studded ham with yams and onions. To preserve the juices, the ingredients are first wrapped in baking parchment or foil.Olive oil or salad oil4 or 5 red thin-skinned potatoes (2-in. size), scrubbed and halvedArrange green onions next to chicken; surround with potatoes and carrots. Drape bacon over breast, then fill chicken cavity with half of the rosemary: set remaining rosemary on top. Bring sides of parchment together and fold over to seal, then fold ends to seal in bird.20 to 25 pounds low-fire white ceramic clayPut the clay packet on an ungreased 12-by 17-inch baking sheet. Shape packet with trimmings to form a pig or a pig's head; smooth with wet hands. Pierce the clay in several places.About 2 teaspoons whole clovesLift the clay bundle from cloth and transfer to an ungreased baking sheet at least 12 by 17 inches. If desired, use trimmings to shape a chicken's head and tail on bundle. Smooth clay with wet hands. Pierce clay in several places to allow steam to escape (optional).You don't need to be an artist to produce these entres. Simply shape a sheet of low-fire white ceramic clay (available at ceramic and art supply stores for $5 to $6 per 25-lb. package) around the parchment. The shape of the food suggests the form; you'll use most of the clay to wrap the food. Use the extra from the trimmings to create a rustic chicken or pig.2 to 2-1/2 pounds yarns, peeledShape clay around package by bringing opposite sides to center; dampen with water where edges overlap, then pinch clay snugly against ham to seal. Pinch open ends together. Leaving a 1-inch edge on top and ends, cut off excess clay.1 teaspoon each dry mustard and lemon juiceShape clay around package by bringing opposite sides to center; dampen with water where edges overlap, then pinch clay snugly against chicken to seal. Pinch open ends together. Leaving a 1-inch edge on top and ends, cut off excess clay.1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces1 bone-in, fully cooked ham, 5 to 6 poundsBake in a 375[deg.] oven for 2 hours, or 2 hours and 15 minutes if refrigerated (expect clay to crack slightly). Let stand 10 to 20 minutes.Score fat side of ham in a diamond pattern. Insert cloves in center of diamonds. Mix 2 tablespoons brown sugar, mustard, and lemon juice; spread on ham.Remove the giblets from the chicken and reserve them for other uses. Rinse the chicken and pat dry. Rub all over with olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Make about 20 small 1/2 inch-inch-deep slits in chicken breast and insert a sliver of garlic into each.Bake ham in a 375[deg.] oven for 2 hours, or 2 hours and 15 minutes if chilled (expect clay to crack slightly). Let stand 10 to 20 minutes. Transfer to tray and invite guests to watch as you crack clay with a mallet. Pull off big clay chunks. Unfold parchment. In the kitchen, put meat and vegetables on a platter and juices in a bowl; at the table slice ham and serve. Serves 6 or 7.Salt and pepperCut clay into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Arrange slices with edges touching on a pastry cloth, dish towed, or parchment paper, measuring at least 15 by 30 inches. With a rolling pin, roll clay into a 15- by 25-inch rectangle that is about 1/2 inch thick. Lay a 15- by 30-inch piece of baking parchment or foil on the clay. Set chicken in center of parchment.4 to 6 sprigs rosemary, each about 6 inches3 cloves garlic, peeled and sliveredCut clay into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Arrange slices with edges touching on a cloth or parchment paper measuring at least 15 by 30 inches. With a rolling pin, roll clay into a 15- by 30-inch rectangle that is 3/8 inch thick. Lay a 15- by 30-inch piece of parchment or foil on clay. Set ham in center of parchment; arrange yams (cut into 1-in. pieces) and onion around meat and sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bring sides of parchment together and fold to seal; fold ends to seal in ham.Transfer clay bird to a board or tray and invite guests to watch as you gently crack clay with a mallet or hammer. Pull off major clay pieces. Unfold parchment; you may prefer to take chicken back to kitchen and put it and vegetables on a platter and juices in a bowl. Carve bird to serve with vegetables and juices. Serves 4 or 5. Ham Baked in Clay3 slices partially cooked bacon

Bake ham in a 375[deg.] oven for 2 hours, or 2 hours and 15 minutes if chilled (expect clay to crack slightly). Let stand 10 to 20 minutes. Transfer to tray and invite guests to watch as you crack clay with a mallet. Pull off big clay chunks. Unfold parchment. In the kitchen, put meat and vegetables on a platter and juices in a bowl; at the table slice ham and serve. Serves 6 or 7.

Wild inside: decorating your house for the holidays is as easy as foraging in your own backyard

Bits & bits

Driftwood arrangementbambooGetting to ClementBe careful weaving through the piles of delicate antique plates stacked inside Period George--a mostly used (but carefully curated) stash of English bone china, dessert wineglasses, and teacups for every time of day. Puts anything your grandma might leave you to shame. 7 Clement St.; 415/752-1900.TabletopPROJECTS BY STUDIO CHOO | PHOTOGRAPHS BY THOMAS J. STORYA large portion of work at POP Gallery falls into the New Brow movement. Often darker, New Brow art draws inspiration from underground comics, tattoos and body art, album cover art, illustration and animation."The pop art collector is a person who likes figurative work," Nelder says. "Figurative work will always have a place in people's home because it's very comprehensible, but also because people are able to project themselves into it."12 other items we love to forageSince its inception, pop art has gained momentum as pop culture has become more invasive. Modern pop art takes its cues from reality television, comic books, graffiti and more. The results are a mix of serious and light hearted, dark and uplifting, and the common link is pop culture that feeds the artists.Warhol's now iconic painting of a Campbell's soup can, Lichtenstein's comic strip inspired works and hundreds of pop pieces by the likes of Peter Max, LeRoy Nei-man and others turned the ordinary and everyday into something worthy of art, or as Nelder says, made them into heroes.Britto's work depicts everything from animals mid-stride to couples in an intimate embrace to crowds united in love, all rendered in intense colors. Companies and organizations around the world have commissioned Britto, including Absolut Vodka, the International Federation of Association Football and numerous children's hospitals and museums.seed tassels from grasses like Miscanthus or Pennisetum"We are very focused on helping young people come to decisions that are emotional," Jaffe says. "They see a piece of art and have a visceral reaction in front of it. When that happens, they were all on the same page and then a much broader education can come in ... When somebody has an emotional relationship to a piece of art, you can help them have that experience over and over again."With an endless supply of subject matter, new technology and young collectors hungry for a new interpretation of their culture, pop art continues to thrive, putting new twists on the everyday reality.1. Prettiest flower shop on the block4. A store-size china cabinetColorful, crammed, community-minded, and with no room for a cafe, Thidwick Books (11 Clement St.; 415/831-1600) reminds you what bookstores used to be. As does indie-to-the-core Green Apple (506 Clement; 415/387-2272), a few blocks away.cactusThe American pop art movement began in the late 1950s. In a period of heightened consumerism and pervasive pop culture, artists like Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschen-berg, Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol took everyday items and threw them back in the faces of the very people who interacted with them every day, giving them new meaning.PHOTOGRAPHS BY RACHEL WEILLJeff Jaffe, owner and curator of Pop International in New York City with Rick Rounick, made it his goal to educate these new collectors when they opened the gallery 13 years ago. By nurturing young collectors, Jaffe says he builds relationships for life.

PROJECTS BY STUDIO CHOO | PHOTOGRAPHS BY THOMAS J. STORY

Author: Miranda Jones

Northern California weekend

Inside Tackle your gift list with a stroll clown Clement Street Check out an epic Southwest trail A Sierra Foothills weekend

Jaffe says pop art today has a more urban feel, with artists like Britto, Bansky, Mr. Brainwash and others drawing inspiration from the cities around them."(Emerging collectors) want to be part of somebody's journey," Throckmorton-McDowell says. "It's exactly what they're living reflected in art. Oftentimes it's the case that they never even knew that it would exist in a format that they could afford."This wreath by San Francisco's Studio Choo (studiochoo.com) is made from "bits and bits" of items picked up while walking after a big storm. Pine, fir, rosemary, magnolia leaves, succulents, and berries are wrapped into the wreath. TIP: Supplement the wreath with items found at a floral market. For complete wreath-making directions, visit sunset.com/wreath"Pop art comes from pop culture, and pop culture comes from pop art," Britto says. "It is a universal language that people can all speak. There are a lot of things that artists try to express themselves that the average person doesn't understand ... But when somebody shows a Coca-Cola or something that is part of everyday life, (viewers) can say, 'Oh, I get it."'Quirky little secrets like pairing a 40-year-old port with a bowl of breakfast cereal are things people would never share with others, and Nelder wants people to question those urges to conceal.In a season that's often predictable, mix it up with a rosemary nest place setting and a centerpiece of forest finds (take care with wild mushrooms; many are poisonous). TIP: Rosemary stalks should be long and tender enough to curve into a bowl shape. Add kumquats for a splash of color.5. Let someone else do the wrapping"Part of the making of a hero is the objectification of something," Nelder says. "To objectify is to make it into something more specific and personal to the viewer. The viewer projects their experience, and that experience makes the object important or not."cotoneaster"Happiness is the most important thing in people's lives. That's why there is so much money spent on things. Everyone is trying to find happiness," Britto says. "As an artist, I want to introduce things you can look at that will put a smile on your face."Use a piece of found driftwood as a rustic backdrop to moss, small evergreens, and succulents. TIP: Fill crevices in the driftwood with enough soil to anchor your plant tableau firmly.It seems like a tall order for a box of breakfast cereal, but for Nelder and other pop artists, it's items like Cheerios, a multicolored horse, a dark and twisted carousel and a Playboy Bunny that reflect pop culture back to viewers in new ways.

Clement St. runs from Arguello Blvd. west past State 1.

Author: Rachel Levin