F O O D
The
+
M U S I C
+
H O S P I T A L I T Y
Treehouse
+Co
IN THIS ISSUE
4
EDITORIAL May Issue
T+CO
22
Paulette Wooten
CALL YOUR MAMA May Playlist Wooten Hill
7
PIGEON'S POST
24
Monthly Musing
Featured Artist
Michele Hill
8
12
MAMA AND THE COOL CARE
ULTIMATE TABLESCAPES Kayce Hughes
35
FIESTA
Featured Story
Simple Mexican Inspired Recipes
Karen Hill
Paulette Wooten
WHAT A WOMAN!
58
Inspiring Snapshots of Mothers
TWIN DENIM CO Featured Women Owned Business Christina and Lea Panteliodis
64
TOP IT OFF Interview Abbye McGee
T+Co Issue 02 May 2021 Cover Image Paulette Wooten Editorial Paulette Wooten Editor Kim Hill Executive Editor Karen Hill Deputy Editor Contributors Karen Hill, Michele Hill, Natalie Hemby, Maneet Chauhan, Stephony Smith, Terrian Bass, Kim Hill, Kayce Hughes, Paulette Wooten, Twin Denim Co, and Abbye McGee Marketing + Advertising thetreehouseandco@gmail.com Subscriptions Visit www.thetreehouseandco.com Write to: 100 Club Dr, Suite 210, Burnsville, NC 28714 www.thetreehouseandco.com thetreehouseandco@gmail.com
T+CO
Published monthly by the treehouse + Co All Rights Reserved. A FOOD + MUSIC + HOSPITALITY ONLINE MAGAZINE
EDITORIAL My Mom always wore an apron. I remember her coming home after working 9-5 at the Farmer's Bank. She didn't slow down. She didn't change clothes. She threw on her apron over her bank uniform. I loved the navy blue outfit with the satin pinstripe blouse with a sewn-in necktie bow. And the thin matching vest. And the perfectly fitted A-line skirt. Probably polyester, but you would never know the way she wore it. It didn't seem hot or scratchy. Let's not forget her L'eggs stockings and high heels. My Mom was the coolest. And when she and her friends would
PAULETTE WOOTEN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
drink Tab. Hello, next-level woman! I only dreamed I could grow up and be like her. Her elegance and ease topped with the humble apron is the essence of who she was, serving love
This issue is like apron strings tying together Mother's Day and Cinco de Mayo with food,
and the best of the best Southern dishes.
music, and hospitality. The string of stories
I'm obsessed with aprons. I've been collecting
writers, chefs, songwriters, artists, creators,
them for years. Mine are not as flowery, flowy, or as feminine as my mom's, and they don't cover polyester business suits, but they are part of my daily wardrobe. Sure their primary function is to protect my clothes, especially when cooking with turmeric, but mainly, they make me happy. Like I think Mr. Rogers was happy with the habit of changing his shoes and sweater. It's comforting. It's routine—a ritual. When my apron gets dirty, I'm doing my job, and my day feels complete. Putting on an apron is like going into the closet and finding yourself in Narnia. I thrive on rubbing sticky BBQ sauce, splattering spices, and smudging marinades on my trusted friendly apron, leaving my mark of the day. It feels like being a crazy artist in the studio. Aprons are pieces of art, archiving the day.
and features of women business owners, and makers from across the South, linking us all together in the common ground of the southern kitchen. I'm excited to introduce Twin Denim Co in Asheville, North Carolina. We met first through Instagram. We became immediate fans when we saw their imaginative and clever combination of denim, fabrics, stitching, and designs. Not only are these sisters true artisans, but they are infectious and darling, incredible humans. I'm wearing one of their custom selvedge aprons on the cover. And, of course, I have added their brand to my apron collection.
Designer and Artist Kayce Hughes has been a friend and inspiration to me for almost a decade. Her influence and art has garnered the attention of beautiful stores like Bunny Williams Home NYC, Draper James TN, and Rivers Spencer LA, as well as several talented designers including Mark D. Sikes, Sara Bartholomew, Pencil & Paper Co., and Jonathan Savage. She has graced our pages with her intermixture of brilliant color, textures, patterns, and designs to inspire your next summer tablescape (p24). Fun side note — her aunt started a fruit juice stand in Palm Beach in 1959. Out of necessity, instead of an apron, she designed shift dresses to disguise the stains. Her customers loved the new bright colored print shifts--her “uniform”--so much she started selling them at the stand. Her aunt is fashion sensation Lilly Pultizer. Be sure to check out our new section just in time for Mother’s Day, What a Woman! (p.12) Snapshots of women who inspire and impact our lives. A mix of sweet, humorous, heartwarming, and sassy portrayals shared by Chef Maneet Chauhan (Chopped judge, restaurateur and cookbook author), Natalie Hemby (Grammy winning songwriter, member of The Highwomen), Karen Hill (children's book author, Executive editor for a multiple New York Times Best Seller author), Stephony Smith (BMI Songwriter of the Year) and Terrian (Memphis
Don't miss Top It Off interview with the chef and owner of Salt and Charm in Wilmington, NC, Abbye McGee. (p.x)
based Gotee recording artist), If you are reading this, you are part of that The last gift I gave my mom was an apron. A
table. Even though we are labeled a
Christmas apron she never got to wear. She
magazine, our lives are not lived out on these
passed December 9, 2015. Every day I feel a tug
pages. We are real people. With real hearts.
on the apron strings she tied around my heart. A
With big hopes to impact our neck of the
pull of love and acceptance draws me closer to
woods and support you in doing the same
being who I am and becoming even more
while we try to make a difference. Seriously,
courageous to wrap an apron of love and
drop us a line and let us know what kind of
support around my waist to serve those around
apron you're wearing in the world. We want to
my table.
support and nourish you.
Pigeon's
Post
Things are not always as they seem. Often the insignificant things in our lives turn out to be the sweetest memories. Take my Mom's pinto beans. For example, she always had some beans percolating on the stove when I came home from school. The aroma was like a cozy warm blanket. Those beans were not only for us but for her neighbors. The lady next door on the right was widowed and would smell the sweet aroma and come to the door with her bowl! On the left side was a neighbor who could not eat solid food. Mom would take the juice from the beans to her every chance she could. Who knew beans had a life of their own!? I love the way Eugene Peterson puts a new spin on a verse that always reminds me of my amazing little Mama. "Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back - given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity." My Mom made the best beans!
mama and the cool car by karen hill
1202 yaM 20 EUSSI
featured story
FEATURED STORY
MAMA AND THE COOL CAR BY KAREN HILL
My mother loved to sing. Mama didn’t have a great voice, but she really loved to sing. Especially on family road trips—with a friendly audience and plenty of rambling hours, she could run through her extensive, quirky repertoire. From silly songs to cowboy tunes, college alma maters and fight songs, military anthems, patriotic standbys, and World War II favorites (“It’s a Long Way to Tipperary”); then wrapping up with hymns. We all looked forward to road trips and miles of music. In the summer of 1955 my parents loaded their passel of kids into the family station wagon for the biggest road trip of all: we were going to New York City! From San Antonio to the big Apple, something like 1800 miles; an ambitious plan with three kids and an unairconditioned car in the middle of a hot Texas summer. But my parents were glass-half-full folks. It would be a wonderful adventure! My brother and I couldn’t wait to see the Statue of Liberty and a chance to sit in Howdy Doody’s Peanut Gallery. Baby Sister, on the other hand, was easily satisfied with beer. Root beer, that is. “Beer!! I want beer!” she would holler at the most inconvenient times. In the middle of church, at a ball game, just about anywhere. “I want BEERRRRRR!” As we packed the wagon for our northern trek, Daddy surprised us with a new invention: a car window air conditioner! (Not all cars had air conditioners back then.) Our amazement was exceeded only by his pride at amazing us. Mama was especially thrilled at the idea of a summer road trip with the windows rolled up and chilly air inside. “Maybe we should pack blankets!” Off we went, for once hoping for enough hot air to launch Daddy’s great find. As the sun bore down and the Texas heat rose, it was finally time to inaugurate our air conditioner. We pulled into a convenience store. Daddy bought some ice and filled the glorious tube perched on Mama’s window.
Off we went, for once hoping for enough hot air to launch Daddy’s great find. As the sun bore down and the Texas heat rose, it was finally time to inaugurate our air conditioner. We pulled into a convenience store. Daddy bought some ice and filled the glorious tube perched on Mama’s window. Back on the road, all eyes were fixated on the marvelous new machine. “Where’s my sweater?” Mama giggled. “No cool air coming out yet, Dad!” my brother noted. “Want BEERRRRRR!” squealed Baby Sister. Hold your horses, everybody,” our driver commanded. “We have to get going faster before the air can flow through the tube.” He was right! As we picked up speed, the machine began to crunch and rattle. And then, the miracle: deliciously cool air flowed from the ingenious invention. “Oooooh, I’m freezing to the bone!” said Mama. Daddy grinned the satisfied grin of success. Our hero!
After a few miles of relaxing in the cool car, we discovered that our new appliance came with a factory-installed demon. Somewhere just over the Arkansas line, little ice shards began spitting out of the air vent, striking poor Mama in the face with such velocity that she yelled. (Mama NEVER yelled.) “Help! Owwww! Turn THIS THING OFF!” Then THAT THING, as it would evermore be called, blasted a fullscale attack on the backseat passengers. We used our comic books as shields from the ice rockets flying at us. Only Daddy escaped the onslaught. Go figure. Our happy band of travelers quickly became a mutinous crew of complainers and crybabies. Daddy--patient, kind, happy Daddy--couldn’t take it. He pulled over, put on the brake, and charged around the car, maniacally ripping THAT THING off Mama’s window and hurling it into a cotton field.
Our deflated hero hunched back over the steering wheel and peeled off onto the highway. No one dared speak.
Our deflated hero hunched back over the steering wheel and peeled off onto the highway. No one dared speak. Then out of the quiet…It’s a long way to Tipperary… Mama started her repertoire, likely hoping our disappointment would somehow get lost in the music. She was right. Soon she had her little chorus joining in. It was a hot ride, but the Statue of Liberty and Howdy Doody awaited. And THAT THING, thankfully, was in the rearview mirror.
WHAT A WOMAN! NATALIE HEMBY
@NATALIEHEMBY SONGWRITER/RECORDING ARTIST/THE HIGHWOMEN 8 #1 COUNTRY SINGLES 2 TIME GRAMMY WINNER GRAMMY NOMINEE
These pictures almost makes me cry. My mother was just a baby herself when she had me. I was a very sick child and she took care of me through many long nights, even lost her job because I had so many doctor visits and hospital stays. She has taken care of me, my dad, my sister, her mother, her brothers, Amy, Vince, her friends... she is the first one we call when we need help or when we need someone. It’s not easy being a mother... especially a young mother. But the benefit comes later, when you are both adults and you are best buddies. I don't know what I would do without her... I am so proud to have this beautiful woman as my mom. She is strong, humble, loving, feisty, and loves God with all her heart. I wanna be like her. and take care of her, the way she has taken care of me. She taught me how to dance, how to pray, how to be tough, how to be kind. I love you, Mom. You are my best friend. Thank you for always being there for me. Happy Mother’s Day!
PHOTO: ALYSSE GAFKJEN
"yes that’s me in matching sweaters with my dad... no idea why I am scowling...maybe was hangry."
WHAT A WOMAN! MANEET CHAUHAN
@MANEETCHAUHAN CHEF JUDGE ON FOOD NETWORK’S CHOPPED PRESIDENT/PARTNER OF MORPH HOSPITALITY @EATATCHAUHAN WWW.MANEETCHAUHAN.COM
Thank you for always being there and being the coolest Mom a gal could ask for. (And now that I have my own, I acknowledge I did make not the parenting thing exactly easy for you ) Thank you for always being a sport, for making talking to you easy and for showing us that we could achieve whatever we set our minds to. You believed in us so we believed in ourselves! Best memories ever (yes that’s me in matching sweaters with my dad in the second pic.... which mom had made... no idea why I am scowling.... maybe was hangry! )
- Maneet Chauhan
Love you loads!
PHOTO: ASHLEY HYLBERT
WHAT A WOMAN! STEPHONY SMITH
@STEPHONYSMITH WRITER/SINGER/PRODUCER BMI SONG & SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR ACM SONG & SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR GRAMMY NOMINATED SONG 5 #1 COUNTRY SINGLES
Hey Mom...you were the best. This is taken way before I knew you, but you stayed that vibrant woman your whole life. Thanks for the blazing fast car rides to school, and everywhere else for that matter, and I am keeping that tradition going. I just don’t know how you never got caught. Thanks for always playing the best music; The Carter Sisters, Bing, The Beatles...I can’t believe you loved it all. But, I’m pretty sure that’s why I do. Thanks for treating us like we lived in a 5 Star Hotel! You were Martha before Martha was Martha. Thanks for hanging with that handsome guy in that picture for 56 years, so that we never had to experience the rough waters of divorce. Thanks for singing to me. Thanks for the sips of coffee with cream when I was five. That’s still my favorite way to drink it. Thanks for loving nature and telling me how beautiful it was everyday. “Gods handy work is everywhere." Thanks for teaching me the multiplication table on the golf course across the street at sunset, laying on our backs looking at the sky you would say, “5x5 is, 5x6 is" etc. Thanks for telling me to always have my own money to be able to take care of myself. Thanks for your rock solid ideas about how things should be, it made me look inside myself and ask myself, “what do you want, and how do you want it?" You made me and made me who I am. I’ll carry you with me always. Thanks again, and Happy Mother’s Day
WHAT A WOMAN! Terrian
@IAMTERRIAN #1 BILLBOARD CHRISTIAN HOT AC/CHR CHART GOTEE RECORDS NEW ARTIST TOURING WITH @TOBYMAC AMERICAN IDOL
AINT SHE PRETTY? Happy Mama’s Day to this FOXY LADYY! My mom is my biggest inspiration. I’ve always admired her strength, joy and dependence on God in every season. I’m grateful and honored I get to be her daughter. She is an absolute gem.
WHAT A WOMAN! KIM HILL
@WOOTENHILLMUSIC GRAMMY NOMINEE MULTI DOVE AWARD WINNER AND NOMINEE VH1 COUNTRY #1
As a kid in the 1970s, my favorite memories with my Mama were when we jumped in her red VW bug convertible and went for a drive. I loved feeling the air rushing around even though it made my long, tangled shag hair look even worse than usual. The only thing messier was our Puli (small sheepdog) named Dallas hanging her head out of the back.
Mama would turn up the radio, and my brother and I would sing Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock” at the top of our lungs while she clicked her rings on the steering wheel. Whenever that happened, all was right in my little 9year-old world! I couldn’t wait to grow up and get my driver’s license so that I could enjoy what I thought must be one of the best perks of being an adult one day. Fast forward to the Summer of 1985, when I picked out my first car for my college graduation gift from my parents. It was a black Toyota Celica convertible. The first day I drove it around, I put the top down, turned up my radio and clicked my rings on the steering wheel, and felt like the coolest girl in my future town of Nashville! I had two more convertibles before my own motherhood caused me to get a little more practical with a series of SUVs. True to her free-spirited self, my cute 78-year-old Mama is once again driving around the South in her latest convertible iteration.
may
playlist
A MIX BY WOOTEN HILL
The Daughters Little Big Town
Mama Holly Williams
Mama, I'm Alright Miranda Lambert
Crazy Love Hold On
Irma Thomas
Mickey Guyton
Like My Mother Does Mom (feat. Kelli Trainor) Meghan Trainor
Mother's Day
Lauren Alaina
You Are My Sunshine (with Chris Stapleton) Morgane Stapleton
Kellie Pickler
She's Got a Way Mother
Lolo Zouaï
Sugarland
Mother Like Mine Die From A Broken Heart
The Band Perry
Maddie & Tae
Slow Dance
She's Not Just a Pretty Face (Red "Pop" Version)
Wooten Hill
Shania Twain
Ain't No Sunshine Wooten Hill
The Mother Brandi Carlile
F E A T U R E
D E S I G N E R
A R T I S T
KAYCE HUGHES Kayce has been dreaming up and creating colorful things for as long as she can remember. As a studio art major in college, she focused on drawing, painting, and photography. Currently, Kayce enjoys spending her days in her Nashville studio painting everything from small paper pieces to large-scale canvas work. Many of today's celebrated interior designers, as well as individual collectors, are frequently scooping up her artwork. You can find her daily offerings and more on Instagram @kayce_hughes_art. NOMADIC
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24
U L T I M A T E
G U I D E
T O
TABLE SCAPES By Kayce Hughes
I love having people over and sitting around my table sharing a meal. Setting a pretty table is something I love doing, and I think it sets the tone for a special evening. I am also lucky to have a Mom who loves entertaining and sets the most beautiful table. So I am constantly learning from her. Over the years, I have collected lots of treasures that I use to set the table. Most of my favorite things were curated in thrift stores and cost a few dollars or less. I have also found pretty candle holders at World Market. And inexpensive bud vases online at places like Jamali Garden. I always incorporate flowers and candles but keep them low enough to see the person across from you. When time allows, I try to start to set the table the night before. I love buying flowers at Trader Joe's, and the flowers are usually the jumping-off point. Next, I typically pick a tablecloth. Many of mine are from India Amory, and others I have made. And then, I grab the other elements that seem to work best. I love the process of putting it all together. I like a table that looks interesting and a bit eclectic but not too fancy.
S I M P L E
M E X I C A N
I N S P I R E D
R E C I P E S
E A S Y
Simple
T O
P R E P A R E
Mexican
Inspired
Recipes
F E A T U R I N G F I E S T A D I S H E S • T A C O S , N A C H O S , B A R B A C OA , M O L E B R I S K E T , F R E S H H O M E M A D E G U A C A M O L E A N D M OR E
brisket, or chuck roast
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if not searing)
Salt and pepper
1 (7.5 ounce) can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
T A C O S 6 - I N G R E D I E N T
3 lb choice of beef,
1 cup beef broth, beer, or water
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO
Season beef with salt and pepper.
*If you're in a hurry skip the following searing portion and add the meat to the slow cooker. Heat the oil in a large skillet. Sear on all sides. Place in a slow cooker.
Pour your choice of liquid and adobo sauce over the meat. Add 4-6 whole chipotle peppers and garlic. Cook for 8-10 hours on low heat.
(I prefer to keep the peppers and garlic whole and pull them out before serving)
B A S I C
4 cloves garlic
8-6 GNIVRES • SRH 01-8 EMIT LATOT • SRH 01-8 EMIT KOOC • NIM 5 EMIT PERP
YOU'LL NEED
D E C A D E N T
A N D
S U P E R
E A S Y
YOU'LL NEED
1.5-2 pounds brisket
1 jar Bunches & Bunches Provisions Red: Dried Chilaca Mole Sauce
1/4 cup of water
PREP TIME 5 MINS COOK TIME 8-10 HRS TOTAL TIME 8-10 HRS SERVING 6-8
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO
Place brisket in a slow cooker and pour the mole sauce and water covering completely.
Cook for 8-10 hours on low.
Top with your favorite fiesta garnishes.
Enjoy!
T A C O S
* H IG HL SIETEY RECOM TOPP M ED WTACO SH ENDED ELLS IT H G U A CAMO ( P .4 5 ) LE
L I G H T
+
L O W
C A L O R I E
N A C H O S
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add shrimp and salt cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until opaque.
Assemble each nacho separately. Place a spoonful of slaw or cabbage onto a single tortilla chip, few slices of bell pepper, add shrimp, top with jalapeño, green onion, and cilantro. Finish off with lime crema or squeeze of lime.
YOU'LL NEED
1 lb shrimp 2 tablespoons coconut oil 1/4 teaspoon salt Red cabbage or Slaw (p.xx) 1 medium bell pepper, sliced Jalapeño Green onion (sliced) Cilantro Tortilla chips (your choice) Lime wedges Lime crema (optional) (p.53)
4-2 GNIVRES • SNIM 51 EMIT LATOT • SNIM 7-5 EMIT KOOC • SNIM 7-5 EMIT PERP
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO
S L O W
PREP TIME 10 MINS COOK TIME 4 HRS TOTAL TIME 4 HRS 10 MINS SERVING 3-4 YOU'LL NEED
2 boneless chicken breasts 1/4 cup water, chicken stock, or beer 1 small white onion, sliced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp cumin 1/2 tsp chili powder 1/2 tsp coriander 1/2 tsp oregano Dash of black pepper *add more salt if you like
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO
Arrange chicken, onion, and garlic in a slow cooker and top with water or chicken broth.
Mix all the following six dry ingredients together in a small bowl: season, the chicken.
3 to 4 hours on high. Place the chicken on a cutting board or a medium bowl. Once it's cool enough, use two forks or your hands to shred the chicken. Add the onions to the shredded chicken.
Serve in tacos or on a salad. Top with cilantro and squeeze of lime.
C O O K E R
S I D E
YOU'LL NEED
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO
2 avocados, ripe
Cut the avocados in half and remove the
1 tablespoon red onion,
pit. Scoop into a mixing bowl or mortar.
diced 1/2 medium jalapeño pepper, minced
Mash avocado with a fork or pestle until chunky or as smooth as you like.
1/4 medium tomato,
Add onion, jalapeño, tomato, garlic, diced 1 garlic clove, minced
cilantro, juice, and mix until well combined.
1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped
Omit any ingredient you don’t like. Also,
1/4 salt
add more salt or lime juice if you want.
Juice of 1/4 orange
Fresh juices will enhance the dish.
Juice of 1/2 lime
D I S H
S I D E
YOU'LL NEED
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO
1 tablespoon olive or
In a small dutch oven or small pan, heat
avocado oil
the oil to medium. Cook onions and garlic
1/4 cup chopped onions
for 3-4 minutes or until translucent. Add the beans plus all other ingredients. Stir
2 garlic clove, minced
and combine well. Reduce heat and cook
1 (15 oz) can black beans.
for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally. (Add
Do not drain.
a little water, broth, or beer if the beans
1 teaspoon lime juice
begin sticking to the bottom of the pan.)
1/2 teaspoon cumin
TOPPINGS
1/2 teaspoon salt
Cilantro Tomatoes
1/4 chili powder
Feta, queso, or cotija cheese Jalapeño slices
1/8 cayenne (optional) *Add a little extra of a spice you like or omit something you dislike.
D I S H
Z E S T Y
A N D
T A N G Y
YOU'LL NEED
1 tablespoon olive oil 4 ears of corn 2 tablespoons butter 1 lime (zest and 1/2 juice) 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO
Heat grill to high. Brush the grate with oil.
Place corn on the grill, occasionally turning, until cooked through and charred 10-12 minutes.
Melt butter. Add all ingredients to the butter. Stir until well combined. Set mixture aside.
Remove corn and immediately pour or brush mixture over each ear of corn. Rotate to cover completely.
S I D E
YOU'LL NEED
1 bag of pre-prepared coleslaw mix 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO
Toss everything together in a large bowl until well combined.
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar Juice of 1/2 lime 1 1/2 tablespoon of brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/8 teaspoon cumin 1/8 garlic powder or 1 garlic clove minced
This is a basic slaw that pairs well with fiesta dishes and doesn't over power other flavors. Feel free to add other ingredients such as cilantro, jalapeño, bell pepper, or red onion.
D I S H
T A C O S
recipe from
YOU'LL NEED
Jessica Merchant, creator of how sweet eats from The Pretty Dish cookbook
Lime Cream 3 tablespoons full-fat or 2% plain Greek yogurt 3/4 cup half-and-half 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from a can of chipotles in adobo) Grated zest and juice of 1/2 lime 1/8 teaspoon salt
Tacos 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted 3 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon chili garlic paste 2 cups cubed butternut squash 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper Corn tortillas (4" diameter), warmed or at room temperature
Toppings Sliced red cabbage Black beans Sliced avocado Sliced jalapeño chili peppers Crumbled queso fresco
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO
To make the lime crema: In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, half-and-half, adobo sauce, lime zest and juice, and salt until combined. Set aside.
To make the tacos:
º
Preheat the oven to 400 F. In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, sugar, and chili garlic paste.
Place the squash on a baking sheet and pour the mixture over top. Season with the salt and pepper and toss well to coat. Roast for 40 minutes, tossing a bit halfway through.
Assemble the tacos by filling the tortillas with the squash. Top with cabbage, black beans, avocado, jalapeños, and queso fresco. Top with the lime crema!
Y O U
C A N
A L W A Y S
C O U N T
O N
T E Q U I L A .
C O C K T A I L
YOU'LL NEED
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO
3 ounces tequila
Run lime wedge around the outer
1 1/2 cointreau
rims of 2 rocks glasses and dip
1 1/2 fresh lime juice
rims in salt. Set aside.
1 ounce simple syrup (or agave)
In a cocktail shaker, combine
2 dashes of orange
tequila, Cointreau, lime juice,
bitters
simple syrup and bitters. Fill with
Lime slices for
ice and shake until thoroughly
rimming glass and
chilled, about 15 seconds (the
garnish
bottom of a metal shaker should
Salt to rim glass
frost over).
Fill glasses with fresh ice and strain margarita into both glasses.
Garnish with lime wheels and serve.
"Anytime
there
Mexican
around,
I'll
be
you
is
food
can
eating
bet
it.''
- EVA LONGORIA
SELVEDGE DENIM + DEADSTOCK VINTAGE FABRICS
twin denim co ASHEVILLE, NC
Where did you grow up? What were your interests as young women? We grew up in southern New hampshire. Our interests when we little was skateboarding, playing musical instruments, drawing, and photography. Tell us a little about what you did separately before starting Twin Denim. Christina: I was in the bicycle industry Lea: restaurant industry When did you start Twin Denim and why Asheville? We started twin denim actually in my kitchen in Austin, TX! We chose Asheville because our family was close by and it seemed more of our speed than some of the other cities in North Carolina. You guys make killer aprons… tell us about your aprons. Thanks! Our aprons are made from premium fabrics, and deadstock vintage fabrics. Primarily selvedge denim. We offer an array of custom pockets designs. You seem to have a great community with other businesses in town, tell us about the intention behind your community efforts, pop ups with music, art, etc.
Asheville in general has a prevalent supportive community when it comes to supporting each other to succeed! What’s your perfect day off? Christina: being outdoors. Lea: being outdoors. What’s one of your favorite meals to eat for lunch or dinner? Lea: Any type of sandwich Christina: a burger Issue 27 | 234
“Have regular hours for work and play; make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will bring few regrets, and life will become a beautiful success.” —LOUISA MAY ALCOTT, LITTLE WOMEN
TOP IT OFF
ABBYE MCGEE 46, CHEF AND OWNER OF SALT AND CHARM IN WILMINGTON, NC
FIRST FAV FOOD YOU DISCOVERED AS A KID THAT WASN’T SERVED AT YOUR HOUSE. My Aunt Charla’s tomato gravy and rice… I still think about it once a day even though I only eat it every few years when I find my way back to her kitchen. FIRST RECORD/CD YOU BOUGHT WITH YOUR OWN MONEY. DO YOU STILL HAVE IT? Steve Taylor’s Meltdown album in 84! Gosh I was obsessed with him because my big brother was. I don’t still have it but I sure wish I did!
TOP IT OFF WHAT ARE A FEW OF YOUR "GO TO SONGS” YOU PLAY IN YOUR CAR OR HOME WHEN YOU ARE FEELING GREAT? ANY NEW FEMALE ARTIST'S MUSIC YOU’RE LOVING RIGHT NOW?
DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT NIGHT AT HOME. WHAT DO YOU EAT, DO, ETC. ON YOUR “WEEKEND” TYPE NIGHT, EVEN IF IT’S NOT OFFICIALLY A FRIDAY/SATURDAY DUE TO WORK.
Alabama Shakes is always a go-to for me in the kitchen. Brittany Howard is just divine and my top choice for when I’m in a good mood. (Or when I NEED to get in a good mood!)
I cook so much for work - like extraordinary amounts of food that when I’m home on my off nights I usually throw something super easy together like a big bowl of ramen with whatever is leftover in the fridge or a big skillet of pasta with - again - whatever is left over. I always have like 2 Brussels sprouts and half a carrot or something silly like that and have to figure out a way to make it edible.
DESCRIBE A TIME YOU FELT WELCOMED IN SOMEONE’S HOME IN AN EXPECTED WAY OR HOW A FAMILY MEMBER (GRANDMOTHER/AUNT,ETC.) MADE YOU FEEL SPECIAL WHEN YOU CAME TO THEIR HOME. This goes back to tomato gravy and rice. When I think about food traditions and comfort, this is what I think of. My Aunt Charla has always lived far away but when I find myself in her kitchen she is going to have tomato gravy, rice, biscuits and lima beans with a chocolate sheet cake on the counter. I don’t know of a bigger comfort meal than that… I don’t need fancy food… but food made with love and intention fills my cup like nothing else.
AS KID, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE OTHER THAN WHAT YOU ARE KNOWN FOR? I wanted to be a jazz singer SO BAD. I grew up singing and playing piano in the church… lots of gospel and contemporary christian music… but I would listen to Sarah Vaughn and Billy Holiday on repeat and wish that I could make music like that! Besides feeding people, I can’t imagine a more fulfilling career than making people’s skirts fly up just with my voice. What a gift!
