Butternut Squash Pasta

I love our CSA (dont know what that is? read here) but sometimes its hard to come up with new recipes that combine the loads of produce we get each week. Last week, I was on a mission to find something new to do with butternut squash and greens. The first thing I do when looking for a new recipe is to check Tastespotting (crazy amazing food porn that I could look at for hours) "a community driven visual potluck". After some searching, I found a great recipe from Former Chef that I figured I could modify since I didnt have all the ingredients. When I start experimenting in the kitchen it doesnt always come out so well (I am much better at soap experiments) so Mister and I were both pleasantly surprised at how good my little modifications turned out to be so I thought I'd share it with you all.

Butternut Squash Pasta with Greens and Bacon

1 butternut squash peeled and diced into bite size pieces
3 strips of bacon (or pancetta)
2 garlic cloves minced
1 bunch baby greens washed and chopped (you could sub spinach)
1 container goat milk cream cheese
parmesan cheese
olive oil
red pepper flakes (optional)
sea salt and pepper to taste
2-3 servings whole wheat penne pasta

Preheat oven to 375F while you are chopping up the veggies. Coat the butternut squash in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 30-40 min (check periodically). When the squash is about half way done start on the rest of the meal. Cook pasta making sure to set aside about 1/2 cup of cooking liquid. Cut bacon into strips and cook until crisp, remove bacon from pan and drain on a paper towel. Leave a decent amount of bacon fat in the bottom of the pan and add the garlic, cooking for a minute. Add the chopped greens and saute until wilted - about 6-8 minutes. Take the greens from the pan and set aside. Add cooking liquid and goat milk cream cheese, whisk until smooth. Alright - almost done. Add the greens, butternut squash, bacon, and cream cheese/cooking liquid mixture to the pasta, mix and season with salt pepper and a few sprinkles of red pepper flakes. Note: if sauce seems too liquidy let it sit for a few minutes and it will thicken up. Add fresh grated parmesan cheese. Serve with salad and enjoy!!

Guess what!?!?!?!

I made it onto Etsy's front page!!!!! (yes, I do need that many exclamation points that's how excited I am)

I received the excellent news this morning via fellow SF Etsy Street Team member Kendra (thanks a bunch!) that my Citrus Poppy Seed Soap made it onto Etsy's front page yesterday evening. OMG! I cant believe I missed it, but thanks to the fabulous Craft Cult site I was able to get a glimpse of what my lovely product looked like. Ever since I started selling on Etsy about I've wanted to be on the front page and it feels amazing to have it happen (one goal down approximately 9 million more to go - I say that in a good way). Check out the mini version of what my front page looked like. I am definitely going to celebrate by buying myself a treat this afternoon (cookie or fresh made juice??) ;).

2010 Price Changes

At the end of this month I have to raise my prices. This has been a really difficult decision for me but it has to be done so that I am able to continue following my dream of building my business.

The price changes are the result of the increasing cost of raw goods and a realistic look at my business finances. Over the course of the last few years there has been a steady increase in the cost of many of the organic raw goods I use to make my products. For example, the cost of cocoa butter has increased by almost 50% since this same time last year. That is a huge jump!! Combine those increases with the fact that I haven't priced my products at what they are worth and I am creating a situation where I will not be able to sustain my small business. The only way to continue providing high quality organic products and build my business is to make a change.

In order to ease into this transition, I'm offering my current low prices until the end of the month and anyone who orders now through January 31 will receive extra free goodies. To stock up now visit Etta + Billie.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding!!

Best,
Alana

2010 handmade olympics!

I just entered my citrus poppy seed soap and my friend Erin's reindeer head pillow in the eco-friendly category at rikrak studio's handmade olympics 2010! go check out all the entries, add your own (wink wink), and check back for the results.

Top 10 for 2009

There is a big push around this time to reflect on the past year and start setting goals for the coming year. I used to fight this phenomenon but as I have gotten older and wiser (hopefully), I really appreciate reflecting back and looking to the future. I wanted to share my thoughts with you all but I am going to keep it short and sweet. Below is my top 10 list of accomplishments and things I've learned in 2009 - this is by no means a comprehensive list just a few things that I am really proud of/know I need to work on..

1. Opened up my Etsy Shop
2. Triple checking is a good thing and can save you money!
3. Attended my first Soap conference
4. Consistency is key (I will talk more about this is goals for 2010)
5. Received first wholesale inquiries (yippeee, I feel so legitimate)
6. Visited Alaska
7. Reviewing and re-evaluating my goals is necessary for me to move my business and life forward
8. Attended my first craft show
9. I am not a good time manager
10. Its really important to delegate

Happy New Year!