Monday, September 26, 2011

So what really is relevancy?

What is relevancy?

Relevancy is a 'best match' search.

Think of it as wanting to go out for dinner. You know you want a hamburger but really aren't sure what you want on it.

So you start to look at the hamburger menu. Slowly you narrow down your desire to a burger with cheese. At this point all burgers without cheese are NOT a match (or not relevant) so you stop looking at them.

Finally you decide on a burger with cheese, bacon and pickles. So you look to see if the restaurant has a burger that meets those specifications. Those that do are relevant, i.e. a match to what you are looking for.

That's what relevancy is all about.

(Sorry in advance if I've made you run for a snack).

Friday, July 22, 2011

Craft Show Success Tips - Part 1 - Is this show for you?

The toughest part about doing shows is finding the 'right' shows to do... ie the ones that YOU will be successful at. Yes, there are successful people at every show but you want to be successful as well.

I spent the first year before I ever did a show going to the various shows that I was interested in as a buyer. I watched the crowds and what was selling. Who was doing the buying? Was it geared primarily to kids or adults? What was the average amount spent?

There isn't any point in doing a show if its not a 'good fit' for your products.

While you are looking around, take a good look at the displays. Which ones catch your eye? Which ones have the most people around them? Why?

What's the mix of vendors at the show? Is it completely handmade or are there resellers (Mary Kay, Tupperware, Pampered Chef, etc) there as well?

Once you've done your homework THEN its time to consider whether or not its a show that you want to take part in.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Moose Breath Chicken

I'm always looking for interesting recipes and reinventing old favourites. This is one that I've had for years but have brought back to life.


1 chicken, cut in pieces (I used 8 thighs)
canola oil (or your favourite cooling oil)
40 cloves garlic, peeled (about 3 heads)
1/4 cup Brandy
3/4 cup white wine
thyme
rosemary
parsley
salt

Don’t be afraid of the garlic! It doesn’t bite.

In a heavy skillet on medium, heat the oil and add the chicken pieces. Brown well but
don't worry if they are completely cooked. Once the chicken is browned, remove it to a plate. Saute the garlic in the drippings, being careful not to burn it. Deglaze the pan with the brandy.

Put the chicken, garlic and the brandy remains in a deep cassarole. Add white wine and seasonings. Cover tightly. If you don't have a really tight cover, use aluminium foil. Cook in 375F oven for about 1-1/2 hrs. Do not remove the lid while cooking.
Once cooked, remove chicken from pan and thicken gravy with flour.

Serve over rice.
Makes 4 servings.


You can also use a dutch oven and do the entire thing on the top of the stove on simmer for about 1 hour. I used a regular frying pan and my corning ware casserole dish with aluminium foil cover, and served it over rice with sauteed mushrooms and onions, and its delicious!!!!!!

With the leftover pan drippings (if there are any) I like to puree them, pop it in the fridge and use it as a garlic spread.