We’re specially excited about today’s post. Tom, over at UncommonGoods contacted us a while back to ask if we’d be interested in partnering with their company for a sponsored post. After taking one quick look at their website, it didn’t take us long to decide this would be a perfect partnership! UncommonGoods focuses on unique handmade goods, but they don’t stop there. They support the artist, they believe in sustainability, they encourage creativity, and the list goes on! These guys don’t just say these things for marketing purposes, they’re the real thing. I invite you to read their story.
We were thrilled to receive this gorgeous handmade porcelain bowl the other day. The bowl comes with a fitted felt cozy–but let me tell you–this isn’t like your great grandma’s knit tea cozy–this thing is surprisingly cool and well…a perfect addition to the bowl. It’s extra nice knowing that the artist who made this piece is from Ontario, our very own Province! The bowl came with a card that told us a little bit about the artist’s story… what a nice touch!
The pictures of the bowl online gave us an idea of how nice this would be, but honestly, it surpassed our expectations. This isn’t just a bowl – it’s a statement piece. It’s a great size and looks amazing on it’s own on our dining room table. Liz and I never thought we’d be this impressed with a bowl. It’s nothing we’ve ever seen in a housewares store or gift shop. It really is special–unique–uncommon, as the company’s name suggests.
My choice to make mussels today wasn’t by chance. It took me a while to decide what food I’d make to complement this beautiful bowl. I chose to make this mussel recipe because much like the bowl itself, this dish is made with simple ingredients and attention to detail. The end result is something wonderful that family and friends can enjoy together…just like our new handmade bowl.
This mussel recipe is perfect for a weekend get-together with friends and family, but it’s so easy and quick to make that you can enjoy it any day of the week. The sauce is to-die-for and perfect for soaking up with a nice piece of fresh crusty bread. I had to keep telling myself to stop dipping!
The artist’s story describes that “the handmade porcelain is designed to inspire a moment of pause in our busy lives. Soft colours and simple forms provide a space for contemplation and encourage the user to enjoy each moment fully.” Who knew a bowl could do that–I think you’ll get it when you see this or hold it in your hands for the first time.
You know those friends that seem to have everything and you can’t think of what to give them? How about checking out Uncommon Goods? They have gorgeous and unique hosting gifts, house warming gifts, personalized cutting boards, beautiful wine glasses and even cool kitchen tools for the gadget geek in your life! So many unique and specialty items–they really are anything but ordinary.
I encourage everyone to take a moment of pause in their busy lives (that goes for Liz and I too) and enjoy simple things. And as always, we say…eat well, friends.
UncommonGoods – Classic Blue Serving Bowl
UncommonGoods – Classic Blue Serving Bowl
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 7 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tsp salt
- 4 lbs mussels, washed and debearded
- 1 cup of good white wine
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Heat the butter on medium high, in a large, deep and wide pan.
- Once the butter is melted and hot, add the onions and garlic.
- Sauté until the onions are translucent.
- Add the tomatoes, salt and pepper.
- Stir and let cook for about 2 minutes.
- Add the mussels, wine and lemon juice.
- Turn the heat up to high, cover and let cook for 5 minutes or until all the muscles are open.
- Transfer all the mussels to a large serving dish or bowl.
- Pour the sauce (with tomatoes, onions and garlic) ingredients from the pan onto the plated mussels.
- Sprinkle the parsley over the mussels and serve hot.
- Enjoy!
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